Cutting Leaf Celery (Apium graveolens) is a versatile, hardy herb that is highly valued for its aromatic, flavorful leaves and stalks. Known for its use in both European and Chinese cuisines, this variety of celery is perfect for adding a fresh, peppery taste to salads, soups, stews, and a wide range of culinary dishes. Unlike common celery, Cutting Leaf Celery features finely cut, feathery leaves that have a more intense flavor. These plants are easy to grow and are highly productive, providing a bountiful harvest of flavorful greens throughout the growing season. The 2000 seeds in this packet offer gardeners the opportunity to grow an abundant crop of this nutrient-rich, flavorful herb in their garden.

Key Features:

• Flavorful Leaves: Cutting Leaf Celery has a more intense flavor than traditional celery, with a peppery and aromatic taste perfect for adding depth to dishes.
• Highly Productive: This variety is known for its fast-growing, abundant yield, making it a great choice for those looking to harvest fresh herbs throughout the season.
• Feathery, Cut Leaves: The finely cut, lacy leaves of Cutting Leaf Celery make it visually appealing in both the garden and on the plate.
• Culinary Versatility: Ideal for a wide range of culinary uses, from garnishes to seasoning for soups, salads, and stir-fries. It’s particularly popular in Chinese and European cooking.
• Easy to Grow: Cutting Leaf Celery is well-suited for both beginner and experienced gardeners. It thrives in a variety of growing conditions and is relatively low-maintenance once established.

Growing Information:

• Light: Cutting Leaf Celery thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For the best growth and flavor, plant in a location where the herb can receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. It grows best in soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Adding compost or aged manure will improve soil fertility and structure.
• Planting Tips:
  • Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Start seeds indoors to extend the growing season.
  • Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep and lightly cover them with soil. Space the plants 6-8 inches apart to allow for growth.
  • For direct outdoor sowing, ensure that the soil is kept moist during the germination period, as celery seeds require consistent moisture to sprout.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, as Cutting Leaf Celery prefers even moisture. Be careful not to let the soil dry out, especially during warm weather. Water regularly to ensure healthy growth.
• Maintenance: Regularly remove weeds around the celery plants to reduce competition for nutrients. Cutting Leaf Celery benefits from periodic feeding with a balanced fertilizer or compost. Once plants are well-established, they require minimal care.

Benefits:

• Nutrient-Rich: Cutting Leaf Celery is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and folate. It is a healthy addition to any diet.
• Enhanced Flavor: The finely cut leaves of Cutting Leaf Celery provide a more concentrated, aromatic flavor compared to regular celery. Perfect for enhancing the taste of a variety of dishes.
• Multi-Purpose Use: The leaves are used as a fresh garnish, in salads, soups, stews, and stir-fries, while the stalks can be chopped for cooking or used fresh. This herb is a versatile addition to your culinary herb garden.
• Improves Soil Health: Like other members of the Apiaceae family, Cutting Leaf Celery can be used as part of crop rotation, benefiting soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients.
• Low-Maintenance: This herb is relatively easy to grow, requiring minimal care once established. It’s perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 4-9. It grows best in temperate climates with cool to moderate temperatures. Celery does best in areas with moderate summers and can be grown as an annual or over multiple seasons in mild winter climates.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Herb Gardens: Plant Cutting Leaf Celery in your herb garden, where its aromatic leaves can be harvested as needed for cooking.
• Companion Planting: Celery can be grown alongside other herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme, which thrive in similar growing conditions. Additionally, it can benefit from being grown with plants like tomatoes and beans, which can help improve soil health.
• Kitchen Garden: Because Cutting Leaf Celery is a useful culinary herb, it's a great addition to any kitchen garden, offering fresh leaves throughout the growing season for use in cooking.
• Container Gardening: Cutting Leaf Celery can also be grown in containers, making it ideal for small-space or balcony gardens. Just ensure that the containers have good drainage and are large enough to allow for root expansion.

Conclusion: Cutting Leaf Celery (Apium graveolens) is a highly productive and flavorful herb that is easy to grow and adds depth to a variety of dishes. With its aromatic, peppery leaves and attractive, feathery foliage, this herb is perfect for both culinary use and as a versatile garden plant. Whether you're adding it to soups, salads, or stir-fries, Cutting Leaf Celery is a must-have for any herb garden. With 2000 seeds in this packet, you’ll have an abundance of fresh, flavorful celery throughout the growing season. Grow your own Cutting Leaf Celery and enjoy the rich flavor and numerous health benefits it brings to your meals and garden.