Different Types of Celery Plants: Exploring the Varieties

Did you know that there is more to celery than just the common stalk celery? Celery has different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual celery, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into the world of celery plant varieties.

Understanding Celery Types

Celery has a rich history, dating back to 850 B.C., where it was originally cultivated for its medicinal properties rather than its culinary uses. Today, there are three main types of celery: self-blanching or yellow (leaf celery), green or Pascal celery, and celeriac. In the United States, green stalk celery is the most popular choice and is used both raw and cooked.

The early versions of celery had hollow and bitter stalks. However, Italian growers in the 17th century developed a sweeter and milder version through years of cultivation. They discovered that blanching celery in cool temperatures reduced its strong flavors, making it more enjoyable to consume.

Exploring Celery Plant Varieties

Here’s a breakdown of the different celery plant varieties:

Leaf Celery

Leaf celery (Apium graveolens var. secalinum) has a thinner stalk compared to Pascal celery. It is primarily grown for its aromatic leaves and seeds. You can cultivate leaf celery in USDA growing zones 5a through 8b. Some notable celery types in this category are:

  • Par Cel: This is an 18th-century heirloom variety.
  • Safir: Known for its peppery and crisp leaves.
  • Flora 55: Resistant to bolting, making it ideal for cultivation.

Celeriac

Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) is grown for its delicious root, which can be cooked or eaten raw. It takes approximately 100 to 120 days to mature and can be grown in USDA zones 8 and 9. Varieties of celeriac include:

  • Brilliant
  • Giant Prague
  • Mentor
  • President
  • Diamante

Pascal

The most commonly used celery variety in the United States is stalk celery or Pascal celery. It thrives in long and cool growing climates, specifically USDA zones 2 through 10. The maturity period for stalks ranges from 105 to 130 days. Extreme temperatures can significantly affect the growth of this celery plant. It prefers temperatures below 75 degrees F (23 C) during the day, with night temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees F (10-15 C). Some popular Pascal celery varieties include:

  • Golden Boy: Known for its short stalks.
  • Tall Utah: Has long and impressive stalks.
  • Conquistador: An early maturing variety.
  • Monterey: Matures even earlier than Conquistador.

It’s important to note that there is a wild form of celery, but it is not the type we commonly consume. Wild celery grows underwater, acting as a natural filtration system in ponds. With such a wide range of celery varieties available, the only problem you’ll face is choosing which one or two to try next.

Remember, celery can add flavor, crunch, and nutrition to various dishes. So go ahead, experiment, and enjoy the diverse world of celery plants!