How to Grow Celery Indoors: A Complete Guide by a Gardening Expert

Growing your own vegetables at home is a rewarding experience, especially when space or climate is a limiting factor. How to grow celery indoors is a question I’ve heard countless times over the past decade, and I can confidently say—it’s not only possible, but incredibly fulfilling when done right.

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a cool-season crop known for its crisp stalks and refreshing flavor. Traditionally grown outdoors, it might seem like a challenging plant to grow inside. However, with the right conditions, tools, and care, you can enjoy fresh, organic celery straight from your kitchen or windowsill all year round.

Why Grow Celery Indoors?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Indoor gardening has become increasingly popular due to limited outdoor space, unpredictable weather, and the desire for chemical-free produce. Celery, being a moisture-loving, slow-growing plant, thrives in controlled indoor environments—away from pests and inconsistent climate conditions.

Here are some benefits:

• Pesticide-free produce

• Year-round availability

• Perfect for small-space gardening

• Educational for kids and families

What You Need to Grow Celery Indoors

To master how to grow celery indoors, preparation is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials:

• A celery base (store-bought or harvested)

• A shallow bowl (for rooting)

• Potting soil (organic and rich in nutrients)

• A container or pot (at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes)

• Grow lights (if natural sunlight is limited)

• A spray bottle or watering can

• Optional: Compost or liquid organic fertilizer

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grow Celery Indoors

Step 1: Choose Your Celery Base

If you’re new to indoor gardening, starting from a store-bought celery stalk is the easiest method. Cut the base of the celery (about 2 inches thick) and place it in a shallow dish with enough water to cover the bottom.

Step 2: Let It Root

Place the dish on a sunny windowsill. Change the water every 2-3 days. Within 5–7 days, you’ll notice tiny leaves sprouting from the center and small roots forming at the base.

Step 3: Transplant to Soil

Once the root system is visible and the new growth is a couple of inches tall, it’s time to plant your celery in soil. Fill your pot with moist, well-draining soil. Bury the base, leaving the new growth above the soil surface.

Pro Tip: Mix compost into your potting soil to boost nutrient content.

Step 4: Provide Optimal Light

Celery needs at least 6 hours of light per day. If you don’t have a south-facing window, consider using full-spectrum grow lights. Position the light 6–8 inches above the plant.

Step 5: Water Regularly

Celery loves moisture. Keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves and help maintain humidity.

Step 6: Feed Occasionally

Fertilize with an organic liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks to support healthy growth.

Caring for Your Indoor Celery Plant

Learning how to grow celery indoors also means knowing how to maintain it properly.

Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C)

• Humidity: Celery thrives in high humidity. If your home is dry, consider using a humidity tray or room humidifier.

Pest Control

Though indoor plants are less prone to pests, you might still encounter aphids or spider mites. Treat them with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Common Issues

• Yellowing leaves: Often due to overwatering or lack of nutrients.

• Leggy growth: Not enough light.

• Slow growth: May be normal—celery takes 90–120 days to fully mature.

When and How to Harvest Celery Indoors

Celery is a cut-and-come-again crop. This means you can harvest stalks as needed without removing the entire plant.

How to Harvest:

• Wait until stalks are about 6–8 inches tall.

• Cut from the outside, leaving inner stalks to continue growing.

You can continue harvesting for several weeks from a single plant. For a continual supply, stagger plantings every few weeks.

Read More How to Grow Cucumbers in Pots: Container Gardening Tips

Bonus: Can You Grow Celery from Seeds Indoors?

Absolutely! While regrowing from kitchen scraps is popular, starting from seed gives you more variety and control. Here’s how:

1. Soak seeds overnight to speed up germination.

2. Sow seeds in seed-starting mix—barely cover them, as they need light to germinate.

3. Keep soil moist and warm (70°F).

4. Germination takes 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings have 2–3 leaves, transplant them to a larger pot.

Companion Plants for Indoor Celery

If you have space for a small indoor garden, consider planting celery alongside:

• Chives – deter pests and enhance flavor

• Spinach – shares similar soil and light requirements

• Parsley – another compact herb that loves humidity

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Learning How to Grow Celery Indoors?

As someone who’s experimented with countless indoor vegetables, I can confidently say yes—growing celery indoors is worth the effort. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also brings the joy of gardening into your home, even if you live in a high-rise apartment or a place with harsh weather.

By following the steps above and providing the right care, you’ll master how to grow celery indoors and enjoy fresh, crunchy stalks whenever you need them.

FAQs

Q: How long does celery take to grow indoors?
A: Full maturity takes around 90–120 days, but you can start harvesting small stalks in 4–6 weeks.

Q: Can celery grow without sunlight?
A: It needs light—either from a sunny window or a grow light. Without it, celery will become leggy and weak.

Q: Do I need a greenhouse to grow celery indoors?
A: No. A windowsill, small grow tent, or well-lit corner works perfectly for indoor celery.

If you’ve found this guide on how to grow celery indoors helpful, consider sharing it or bookmarking for future reference. Happy gardening!