How To Grow Celery Microgreens

<a href='https://typesofmicrogreens.com/author/admin/'>Jon Smith</a>Jon Smith
May 30, 2021

Celery microgreens are delicious in soups, casseroles, stuffing, salads, and much more. They provide you with an intense celery flavor and colorful addition to your favorite dishes. Often referred to as micro celery, celery microgreens offer a host of benefits.   

Celery microgreens are loaded with vitamins A, B, C, and E. They also contain large amounts of amino acids, antioxidants, calcium, chlorophyll, fiber iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Each serving of celery microgreens also contains an abundance of protein.

Typically, celery microgreens are not recommended for novice microgreen gardeners. The germination rate for celery microgreen seeds is very slow, taking approximately 2 weeks. Furthermore, it can take up to a month for your celery microgreens to be ready for harvest. Growing these microgreens can be challenging.

They require persistence, patience, and dedication. The celery seeds must be kept damp by misting the growing trays twice daily.

Celery Microgreen Profile

Here is a brief glimpse of the attributes of celery microgreens.

AttributeProfile
FlavorCelery microgreens taste similar to their mature counterpart with a sharp, yet delicious aftertaste.  
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)  No presoaking is necessary for celery microgreen seeds.
Color  The leaves and stems of celery microgreens are bright green.
Germination Time  Celery microgreens have a long germination time of approximately 14 days.
Harvest Time  The estimated time from planting to harvest is 21 to 28 days.
Green Thumb Level (1-5)  4-5 – Celery microgreens are one of the more difficult microgreens to grow.

Celery microgreens are slow to germinate and grow, which means you will need to dedicate some time to your microgreen gardening.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to growing microgreens, most people have questions. Here are the most frequently asked questions.

Do Celery Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

Celery microgreens are one of the few microgreens that can regrow after harvest as long as they are not harvested too short.

How Fast Do Celery Microgreens Grow?

Celery microgreens are slow growing. It will take approximately one month from the time of planting to begin harvesting your celery microgreens.

What Do Celery Microgreens Taste Like?

Celery microgreens taste similar to mature celery stalks; however, the flavor is more vibrant. Furthermore, the texture of celery microgreens is described as soft.

Equipment Needed to Grow Celery Microgreens

There are many different methods that can be used to grow celery microgreens. These tasty microgreens are typically not for beginner microgreen gardeners; however, if you follow our easy to understand directions, you can successfully grow celery microgreens. When it comes to microgreen gardening, there are certain pieces of equipment that are needed. In the beginning, it will cost about a couple of hundred dollars to purchase all of your equipment and supplies; however, once you make the initial investment, growing microgreens is inexpensive.

Starter Kits

There are many starter kits on the market, including this deluxe starter kit by True Leaf Market.

Specific Equipment Needed for Celery Microgreens

If you prefer to purchase individual pieces of equipment for growing microgreens, you will need the following equipment:

Growing Medium

Although celery microgreens can be grown in a variety of growing mediums, we recommend using coconut coir.

Coconut coir is a soilless growing medium that is excellent for microgreens, is environmentally friendly, and can hold up to ten times its weight in water.

MOTHER EARTH Coco Plus Perlite Mix - For Indoor and Outdoor Container Gardens, Provides Strong Aeration & Drainage, 70% Coconut Coir, Resists Compaction, 50 Liter
  • Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
  • Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
  • Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
  • Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite
  • Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)

If you prefer, you can choose a seed starting potting soil mixture. Seed starting growing mediums are fine textured, easy to find, and ensures your microgreens receive the nutrients they need to grow.

Growing Trays

In order to grow celery microgreens, you will need a total of three growing trays – one with drainage holes and two with no drainage holes. When it comes to shopping for growing trays, you should opt for the 10 inch by 20 inch trays. These will provide you with plenty of growing space for a large harvest.

You will need one growing tray with drainage holes so you can water your microgreens from the bottom up.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (with Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - WITH Drain Holes
  • Perfect for hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

You will need two growing trays without drainage holes. You will place your tray with drainage holes in one of these trays and use the other tray to cover your seeds during the germination process.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (No Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - NO Drain Holes
  • Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Misting Bottle/Spray Can

Because you will need to water your celery seeds throughout the germination process, you will need a misting bottle like this one.

GETTON 2.0L Garden Sprayer, Hand-held Pressure Pump Sprayer Plant Mister Spray Bottle with Adjustable Nozzle and Detachable Wand for Indoor Outdoor Household Cleaning Garden Lawn Watering
  • 【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
  • 【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
  • 【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
  • 【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
  • 【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.

Light Source

Once your celery seeds have germinated, you will need to place them under a grow light. A grow light will ensure your germinated microgreens receive the light necessary for optimal growth and development.

Sale
Barrina LED Grow Light, 144W( 6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Full Spectrum, High Output, Linkable Design, T8 Integrated Bulb+Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, 6-Pack
  • Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
  • Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
  • Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
  • Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
  • Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue

(Optional) Heating Mat

A heating mat helps ensure your soil temperature is at the perfect temp for germination. We recommend this one.

HYDGOOHO Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat for Seed Starting Propagation and Increase Germination Success 10 Inch x 20.75 Inch MET Safety Standard Certified
  • Makes a differeance in germination time, leafy greens in about 2 days and tomatoes 3-4 days for sprouts.
  • Try to use the seedling heat mat and heat mat thermostat to heat water in the seed container to increase humidity in your grow tent.
  • Using to keep a batch of fermenting beer wort at 72F is also available
  • Great affordable heating solution to starting plants from seed.
  • If you’re doing home gardening for your seasonings, go find this seedling heat mat sets.

(Optional) Microgreen Planting Rack

A wire rack can be transformed into a vertical microgreen rack. This one will help you grow numerous microgreens in a small area.

Storage Shelves 2100Lbs Capacity, 6-Shelf on Casters 48" L×18" W×82" H Wire Shelving Unit Adjustable Layer Metal Rack Strong Steel for Restaurant Garage Pantry Kitchen,Black
  • IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
  • STURDY AND DURABLE - Constructed from heavy-duty steel wire, this shelf is durable and resistant to dirt buildup and corrosion. Each shelf has a capacity of up to 220 lbs when properly assembled, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs total.
  • ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
  • FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.

(Optional) Circulation Fans

Circulation fans help improve airflow to reduce the risk of mold and other diseases that commonly plague microgreens.

Sale
Active Air HORF6 6-Inch Clip-On 360-Degree 5W Brushless Motor Hydroponic Grow Fan with Spring-Loaded Plastic Clip for Gardens, Black, 2 Pack
  • LONG LASTING: Fan features a 5W brushless motor that lasts longer and can be hooked up to fan speed controllers; Features a smooth and quiet operation (2 Pack)
  • CLIP-ON DESIGN: Clip-on portable fan is convenient and effective for small spaces; Can be used to help grow healthy plants or for cooling, in your garden, flood tables for airflow under foliage, small spaces, or on your office desk with a spring-loaded plastic clip that won't mar surfaces
  • AIR-FLOW: With the 6-inch adjustable-angle head that rotates 360 degrees you can direct airflow where you need it and it can also be wall-mounted to free up space
  • DURABLE: The cooling fan features 3 durable plastic blades and the easily-removable safety grills make cleaning a breeze; The motor outlasts traditional fans that use oil to lubricate rotation
  • SPECIFICATIONS: The product has a 6-foot power cord and is powered by DC 5V/5W making it energy efficient; Weight: 1 pound; Dimensions of (L x W x H): 6 x 8 x 8 inches; Quantity: 2

Celery Microgreen Seed Options

Nan Ling Cutting – This non-GMO Asian celery variety is loved for its sweet, delicate flavor and beautiful green leaves.

Utah 52-70 – This delicious microgreen adds a nice crunch and intense celery flavor to your savory and side dishes.

Step by Step Growing Guide for Celery Microgreens

Step 1 Prepare Your Growing Trays

Before you plant your micro celery seeds, you will need to prepare your trays. Take one tray with drainage holes and place it inside a tray with no drainage holes. Then, take your growing medium and fill your tray up to the top of the tray.

Invert your second tray with no drainage holes and press it down against your grow tray filled with your growing medium. This helps to remove air pockets and ensure the soil is level. Add more growing medium until your soil level is within one half of an inch from the top of your growing tray.

Next, you will want to water your soil three times to ensure that it is adequately moist. Begin by misting the entire surface of your tray with water. Allow the water to soak into the soil for a couple of minutes before misting the surface again. Once you have watered the soil three times and allowed the soil to soak up the water, remove the bottom tray and pour out any excess water.

Step 2 Plant Your Microgreen Seeds

Once your grow trays are prepared and the soil is moist, it is time to plant your celery microgreen seeds. You will need approximately 1 gram of celery seeds for each 10 inch by 20 inch tray. Spread the seeds evenly over your growing medium.

Once the seeds have been evenly dispersed, you will want to gently press your seed into the soil using an inverted growing tray with no holes. Then, using your misting bottle wet the seeds and place the inverted tray back on top of the soil.

You will need to weigh down the tray with weights, bricks, or stones. The total weight used on the lid should be between 2.5 pounds and 5 pounds. This will help ensure your celery roots grow downward and properly develop.

Step 3 Understand the Germination Process

The germination process for celery microgreens takes longer than most other microgreens – 14 or more days. Do not be tempted to try and speed up the germination process by cranking the heat up on your heat mat. Celery does not like temperatures above 70 degrees.

After about a week, remove the weights and the inverted tray and check the moisture level of your growing medium. If your growing medium becomes dry, use your misting bottle to wet the soil and seeds, being careful to avoid disturbing your celery seeds for microgreens.

Step 4 Place Your Microgreens Under Grow Lights

You want to ensure that the majority of your microgreen seeds have germinated. We recommend waiting until 90 to 95 percent of the seeds have germinated. Lift your inverted tray on day 14 and look closely at your seeds. Have the majority of the seeds sprouted? If not, cover the seeds again and leave for 2 to 3 more days. When most or all of your seeds have sprouted, it is time to remove the inverted tray.

Use your misting bottle and gently mist your seeds. You also want to add about an inch of water to the bottom tray and allow the roots time to absorb the water. After 30 minutes, dump out any remaining water from the bottom of the tray.

It is now time to place your microgreens under a full spectrum grow light. Attach your grow lights to your metal shelving unit so they are facing downward toward your shelves. Attaching your lights in this manner will ensure that your microgreens receive the amount of light they need for photosynthesis.

Your celery microgreens will begin to grow faster once they are placed under your grow lights. After they have been under your lights for 3 to 5 days, your microgreens will begin to stand up straight and turn a vibrant green.

Step 5 Turn on Your Circulation Fans

You will want to turn on your circulation fans now. The fans we recommended can easily be attached to your planting rack and will ensure your microgreens are receiving an ample amount of airflow to reduce the risk of mold and disease.

From now on, the only care your micro celery greens will require is ensuring they have an ample amount of water. You want to ensure the growing medium is moist, but not saturated. Water from the bottom only, allowing the roots and soil to soak up moisture for about 30 minutes before pouring off any excess water.

Because you will be using circulation fans, you will not be able to ascertain how moist or dry the growing medium is. Instead, you will need to lift the tray with the drainage holes to determine its weight. If the tray feels extremely light, you will need to add a bit more water. If the tray feels heavy, it still has ample moisture.

Step 6 Know When to Harvest

Approximately 28 to 30 days after planting your celery microgreen seeds, it will be time to harvest. True leaves will begin to sprout, and your growing tray will become full. Keep the soil moist for a few more days (2-4 days) and taste your microgreens daily until they have developed a delicious celery-like flavor.

Harvesting Celery Microgreens

Unlike other types of microgreens, you can continue harvesting celery microgreens as long as you do not cut them too close to the soil line. You will need to keep an eye out for the celery microgreens at the center of the tray growing too thickly, which can prevent the leaves from receiving enough light. If this occurs, you can experience a die off in the center of your tray. To prevent this, you must carefully consider how you harvest your celery microgreens.

Most people tend to cut from the outside of their growing trays towards the inside. When you want to continue harvesting and allowing your microgreens to regrow, you must change how you harvest your greens. Instead, you want to cut from the inside out.

Approximately 12 hours before you plan on harvesting your microgreens withhold watering. You want your microgreens dry to the touch when you are harvesting them. Using very sharp scissors or a sharp knife, cut your microgreens, leaving at least the lowest set of leaves so your microgreens will regrow.

Storing Celery Microgreens

Once you have harvested your microgreens, you should place them on a paper towel until they are dry to the touch. After they have dried, can place them between two clean, dry paper towels and store them in an airtight container or plastic bag. If you will be shipping your microgreens, we recommend placing your celery greens between two paper towels and an airtight container to minimize bruising during transport.

Your microgreens should be kept in the refrigerator until ready to eat. When you are ready to use your microgreens, fill a bowl with fresh, cool water. Submerge your celery microgreens in the water and swirl to remove any traces of dirt. Place them on a paper towel and allow them to air dry before using.

Final Thoughts

Celery microgreens are the perfect addition to dressing for the holidays. You can also use them in soups like vegetable soup or chicken noodle soup. Use these tasty microgreens anywhere you want a burst of celery flavor, including meatballs, casseroles, and salads.

Growing celery microgreens takes time, patience, and watchfulness. Unlike most microgreens that are ready within 7 to 10 days, celery microgreens take approximately 30 days from planting to harvest. Once you taste these delightful microgreens, you will agree that they are worth the wait.

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How To Grow Celery Microgreens
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About The Author
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.

Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Jon Smith

Founder/Writer
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.