Description

Tall Utah Celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) is a classic, upright celery variety known for its tall, crisp, and tender stalks that reach up to 45-60 cm in height. This stringless, richly flavoured heirloom is prized for its bright green colour, juicy texture, and balanced, mildly sweet taste. It is widely used in soups, salads, juices, and fresh snacking.

In South African gardens, Tall Utah Celery performs best when sown in late summer to early autumn or in cooler Highveld and coastal climates. It requires consistent moisture, rich organic soil, and a long, cool growing season of 100-120 days. The variety is slow to bolt, making it well-suited for regions with variable temperatures.

With proper care, Tall Utah Celery delivers vigorous growth, excellent flavour, and high yields, making it a staple in both home and market gardens across South Africa.

 

Benefits

Pollinator & Pest Benefits

• Strong aroma may help repel cabbage moths and whiteflies when interplanted.
• Great addition to biodiverse vegetable beds as part of integrated pest management (IPM).
• Umbel-shaped flowers (if allowed to flower) attract beneficial insects like lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps, which help control aphids and caterpillars.
  

Compact and Versatile

• Though tall, its vertical growth is space-efficient, ideal for raised beds and deep containers.
  
• Can be grown in urban and suburban gardens, provided it receives consistent moisture.
  

Nutritional Benefits

• Very low in calories, making it a healthy, hydrating snack.
• Rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium – supports blood health and immune function.
  
• Contains antioxidants and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation.
  
• High water and fibre content – aids digestion and keeps the body hydrated.
  

Health Benefits

• Natural diuretic properties – helps reduce water retention.
  
• Supports cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation.
  
• Chewing fresh celery may promote oral health through increased saliva production.

• May assist with cholesterol management due to fibre and antioxidant content.

 

How To Use

Tall Utah Celery flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Autumn or Early Spring
• Temperature: 13-24°C
• Germinate: 14-21 days
• Depth: 3-5 mm
• Spacing: 20x30 cm
• Harvest: 100-120 days
• Height: 45-60 cm
• Flowering Season: Late summer to autumn (if left unharvested)
• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours daily)

Ideal Growing Environment 

• Rich, well-draining loam or compost-amended soil, pH 6.0–7.0.
• Requires frequent, deep watering; never allow soil to dry out completely.
• Incorporate compost at planting; supplement with organic nitrogen-rich feeds every 3–4 weeks.
• Best in cooler South African regions (coastal, Highveld); protect from heatwaves.
• Prefers moderate to high humidity (60–80%); mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture and reduce stress.
• Watch for aphids, celery leaf miners, and slugs – plant with nasturtiums or marigolds for natural deterrence.
• Performs well in deep containers, raised beds, or open garden rows.
• Benefits from being planted alongside leeks, onions, spinach, tomatoes, bush beans, and nasturtiums.
• Intercropping: Pair with onions, garlic chives, or marigolds to repel pests.
• Crop Rotation: Plant after peas or clover. Follow with lettuce or herbs. Avoid repeat root crops in the same bed.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Deep roots improve soil structure between cycles.
• Avoid planting with carrots, corn, and parsnips (due to nutrient competition or shared pests).

 

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