How do you grow celery microgreens? Scatter celery seed on the surface of a moist mix or grow mat, press it in without burying it, and keep it near 70–75°F (21–24°C) with light, because celery seed needs light to germinate. Bottom water, be patient, and cut at 1/2–2 inches (1–5 cm). Johnny’s lists its cutting celery microgreens at 26–30 days.
Key takeaway: Celery microgreens are one of the slowest micros you can grow, but they reward you with intricate leaves and a clean, mild celery taste. Johnny’s Selected Seeds lists its cutting celery (Apium graveolens) microgreens in its slowest 26–30 day group, and Extension experts note that celery seed can take 14 to 21 days just to germinate.
| Factor | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Days to harvest for celery microgreens | 26–30 days | Johnny’s Selected Seeds |
| Germination time | 14–21 days | Ask Extension (Ohio) |
| Germination temperature | 70–75°F (21–24°C) | Ask Extension (Ohio) |
| Light for germination | Required; cover lightly or not at all | Ask Extension (Ohio) |
| Seed count | About 1,311,000 seeds per lb | Johnny’s Selected Seeds |
| Pre-soak | Helps leach germination inhibitors | Utah State University Extension |
What Do Celery Microgreens Taste Like?
Mild, fresh celery. Johnny’s describes its cutting celery microgreens as having a mild celery flavor with finely textured, intricate green leaves and light green stems. They work as a garnish on soups, salads, seafood and egg dishes when you want celery aroma without crunch. NC State Extension notes that celery belongs to the Apiaceae, or carrot, family.
- Look: tiny, intricate, lobed green leaves.
- Taste: mild celery.
- Use: soups, salads, fish and garnishes.
Why Do Celery Microgreens Take So Long?
Celery seed germinates slowly. An Ask Extension expert in Medina County, Ohio, says celery seed can take 14 to 21 days to germinate at 70–75°F (21–24°C), and Utah State University Extension explains that the seed contains natural germination inhibitors. That slow start is why Johnny’s places cutting celery in its slowest microgreen group, at 26 to 30 days to harvest.
If you want a faster herb micro, try our parsley microgreens or dill microgreens guides.
Should You Soak Celery Seeds for Microgreens?
It can help, but it is optional. Utah State University Extension says celery germinates better if you soak the seeds in water and change the water every day, because soaking helps leach away natural germination inhibitors. The Ask Extension expert says soaking is possible but not necessary. Drain soaked seed well before sowing so it spreads evenly.
How Do You Grow Celery Microgreens Step by Step?
Sow on the surface and keep it moist and bright. The Ask Extension expert says celery seed should be covered only lightly and pressed into the soil, misted so it does not wash around, and given light, since it needs light to germinate. Johnny’s advises bottom watering or misting and never letting the sowing medium dry out.
- Optionally soak seed, changing the water daily.
- Fill a shallow tray with moist mix or a grow mat.
- Scatter seed evenly; celery seed is tiny.
- Press it into the surface; do not bury it.
- Keep it at 70–75°F (21–24°C) with light.
- Mist or bottom water so the surface never dries.
- Cut at 1/2–2 inches (1–5 cm) after about four weeks.
How Much Celery Seed Per Tray?
Less than you might think by weight. Johnny’s lists about 1,311,000 cutting celery seeds per pound, so a gram holds thousands of seeds. Penn State Extension recommends sowing small seeds at up to about 12 seeds per square inch (6 per cm²). On a 10×20 inch (51 cm) tray (200 sq in), that is about 2,400 seeds, or roughly 1 g by our math.
Our microgreen seed density guide explains how to fine-tune that rate.
What Light and Temperature Do Celery Microgreens Need?
Steady warmth to sprout, then bright light. The Ask Extension expert recommends 70–75°F (21–24°C) for germination, then a slightly cooler spot of about 69–70°F (21°C) once plants start growing. Oregon State University Extension suggests a lamp as close as 3 inches (7.5 cm) above microgreens for about 15 hours a day, noting that dim light causes leaning, leggy plants.
- Germination: light on, cover lightly or not at all.
- Growth: about 15 hours of light a day.
- Airflow: a fan helps over the long crop.
When Do You Harvest Celery Microgreens?
About 26 to 30 days after sowing. Johnny’s says microgreens are harvested once the cotyledons are fully developed or when the first true leaves begin to emerge, typically at 1/2–2 inches (1–5 cm) tall. Cut with scissors or a sharp knife and minimize handling. Johnny’s notes shelf life is 5 to 10 days with proper storage and that microgreens must be washed before serving.
See how to harvest microgreens for clean cutting tips.
Why Are My Celery Microgreens Moldy or Patchy?
Long crops stay wet for weeks. Johnny’s says densely planted microgreens are prone to damping-off with poor airflow and saturated media, and recommends fans, clean media and water, and correct seeding density. Oregon State University Extension adds that seeds and seedlings can rot or mold if the medium is too wet and cold. Patchy stands often come from uneven, slow germination.
How Do You Store Celery Microgreens?
Ideally, not for long. Oregon State University Extension says the best plan is to harvest, rinse and use microgreens right away; to store them, wrap them in a paper towel and keep them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Johnny’s says shelf life can reach 5 to 10 days with proper storage, so harvest only what you need and leave the rest growing.
- Best: cut, rinse and eat the same day.
- Short storage: paper towel in a bag, refrigerated.
- Longest: 5–10 days with proper storage, per Johnny’s.
FAQ About Celery Microgreens
How long do celery microgreens take?
About 26–30 days, per Johnny’s.
How long does celery seed take to germinate?
About 14–21 days at 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Do celery seeds need light to germinate?
Yes; cover lightly or not at all.
Should I soak celery seeds?
Optional; daily water changes help leach inhibitors.
What do celery microgreens taste like?
Mild celery.
Can I grow celery microgreens hydroponically?
Yes, on a moist grow mat with bottom watering.
Sources
- Johnny’s Selected Seeds — Cutting Celery Microgreen Seed
- Ask Extension (Medina County, Ohio) — Celery Seed Info
- Utah State University Extension — Celery in the Garden
- NC State Extension — Apium graveolens
- Penn State Extension — The ABCs of Microgreens
- Oregon State University Extension — Microgreens
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Brotes de Apio (cropped) by Toranks (CC BY-SA 3.0); Knolselderij kiemplanten Apium graviolens var. rapaceum seedlings by Rasbak (CC BY-SA 3.0); Apium graveolens by Szabi237 (CC BY 3.0)