Although I haven’t talked much about celery in many of my previous articles, the truth is: I love celery!
Luckily, I can grow all my veggies and herbs in my mom’s backyard. I know not everyone has access to a large garden, and some people, like me, live in an apartment. But that’s no excuse not to grow your own fresh produce!
My best friend also lives in an apartment, and she has 2 pots on her balcony that continuously provides her with a small supply of celery all year round!
And, in this article, I’m going to teach you how I’m able to achieve that, but first…
Is It Possible To Grow Celery In A Pot?
Many people think celery is a very space-consuming vegetable when it’s really not. You can most definitely grow it in a pot as long as the pot is of a medium to large size and has sufficient drainage holes at the bottom.
What You Will Need:
- Celery stalk (store-bought or homegrown);
- Pot (at least 8-12 inches deep);
- Rich, well-draining soil;
- Fertilizer (organic compost, liquid fertilizer, etc).
Step-By-Step Guide To Growing Celery In A Pot
Step-By-Step Guide to Growing Celery in a Pot
Fresh, Crunchy Celery Right From Your Balcony or Backyard
Celery is a flavorful, nutrient-rich vegetable that’s surprisingly easy to grow in containers. Whether you live in an apartment, have a small patio, or just want a neat, manageable garden setup, growing celery in a pot lets you enjoy fresh stalks year-round with minimal space.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the right pot to harvesting crisp, homegrown celery.
🌿 Why Grow Celery in a Pot?
Growing celery in containers offers several benefits:
- Perfect for small spaces and urban gardens
- Better control over soil quality
- Fewer pests and diseases
- Easier watering and fertilizing
- Convenient access for harvesting
Plus, potted celery looks beautiful as an edible plant on patios and balconies.
🪴 What You’ll Need
Supplies:
- A pot at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and wide
- High-quality potting mix (moisture-retaining)
- Celery seeds or a celery base (from store-bought celery)
- Watering can or hose
- Liquid fertilizer or compost tea
- Mulch (straw or shredded leaves)
🌱 Step 1: Choose Your Planting Method
You can grow celery in two ways:
Option A: From Seeds
- Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost
- Sow seeds on the soil surface (do not cover deeply)
- Mist gently and keep soil moist
- Seeds germinate in 14–21 days
Option B: From a Celery Base (Kitchen Scrap Method)
- Cut off the base of a celery bunch
- Place it in shallow water
- Keep in sunlight
- Roots and leaves appear in 7–10 days
- Transplant into soil once roots form
🪴 Step 2: Prepare the Pot
- Fill your pot with moist potting mix
- Leave 1–2 inches at the top
- Water lightly to settle the soil
- Make a small hole in the center
🌿 Step 3: Plant the Celery
From seeds:
- Gently press seeds onto soil
- Do not bury deeply
- Lightly mist
From celery base or seedling:
- Place the plant in the hole
- Cover roots with soil
- Firm gently
- Water well
☀️ Step 4: Place in the Right Location
Celery needs:
- 6–8 hours of sunlight daily
- Protection from intense midday heat
- Good air circulation
A bright balcony, patio, or windowsill works well.
💧 Step 5: Water Consistently
Celery loves moisture.
- Keep soil evenly moist
- Never let soil dry out completely
- Water daily in hot weather
- Mulch the surface to retain moisture
Dry soil = bitter, tough celery.
🌱 Step 6: Feed Regularly
Celery is a heavy feeder.
- Apply liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks
- Use compost tea or balanced fertilizer
- Add worm castings for extra nutrients
🪴 Step 7: Support Growing Stalks
As celery grows:
- Hill soil around the base
- Use stakes or ties if stalks lean
- Rotate pot occasionally for even growth
🐛 Step 8: Watch for Pests & Problems
Common issues:
- Aphids
- Slugs
- Leaf spots
Solutions:
- Neem oil spray
- Hand removal
- Good airflow and clean leaves
🥬 Step 9: Harvest Your Celery
Celery is ready in 3–4 months.
How to harvest:
- Cut outer stalks first
- Leave inner stalks to continue growing
- Harvest in the morning for best flavor
❄️ Step 10: Extend the Growing Season
- Move pots indoors during cold weather
- Use frost covers if temperatures drop
- Grow year-round in mild climates
🌟 Final Thoughts
Growing celery in a pot is rewarding, affordable, and perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. With consistent watering, good soil, and a sunny spot, you’ll enjoy fresh, crisp celery straight from your own home.
It’s one small plant that delivers big flavor and satisfaction
