How to Grow Leaf Celery
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Leaf Celery
Apium graveolens var. secalinum
vegetableLeaf celery, also called cutting celery or smallage, is a compact variety of celery that produces deeply lobed, aromatic leaves without developing thick stalks. It is prized for its intense celery flavor and tender foliage, which can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. This heirloom variety is easier to grow than pascal celery and takes up less garden space.
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Example Leaf Celery timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Leaf Celery
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Leaf Celery
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Leaf Celery dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler spring and fall conditions
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seeds sprout into delicate seedlings with initial true leaves appearing 10-14 days after sowing. Plants are very small and fragile at this stage.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily under grow lights if starting indoors. Maintain 65-70°F temperatures. Do not bury seeds; they need light to germinate.
Seedling to Transplant Size
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop 2-4 true leaves and establish a small root system. Plants are ready to prick out and transplant to individual containers when 1-2 inches tall.
Thin crowded seedlings to prevent fungal issues. Gradually reduce watering slightly as plants mature. Begin fertilizing weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer. Reduce grow light duration to 12 hours as plants strengthen.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks in gardenPlants develop increasingly thick stems and deeply lobed, dark green foliage. Multiple leaf shoots emerge from a compact crown. Plants become bushy and vigorous.
Transplant into garden when 4-6 inches tall and 2-3 weeks before last frost (or in midsummer for fall crop). Water consistently to prevent bolting. Side-dress with compost every 3-4 weeks. Pinch out any flower buds to encourage leaf production.
Productive Harvest
4-8 weeks (can extend with succession planting)Plants reach 12-18 inches tall with abundant, densely clustered aromatic leaves ready for harvest. Foliage is deep green and highly fragrant.
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is established (about 60 days from transplant). Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Keep consistently watered during heat. Mulch around base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Decline/Bolting
Variable; occurs when conditions trigger floweringAs temperatures rise or day length increases, plants may bolt and send up flower stalks. Leaves become tougher and may develop a bitter flavor.
Pinch off any flowering stems promptly to extend harvest. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. Consider succession planting for continuous harvest. Harvest plants before bolting for best flavor.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; use row covers on young plants; spray with spinosad if severe; encourage beneficial wasps
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Hand-pick caterpillars; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; remove plant debris; encourage parasitic wasps
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings; neem oil as last resort
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Hand-pick beetles; use row covers on seedlings; apply spinosad if population is high
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and
Remove hiding spots; use copper tape barriers; beer traps; encourage ground beetles; handpick at dusk
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil; provide adequate spacing for air circulation
Uses
Soups, stocks, and broths
CulinaryLeaf celery's intense aromatic flavor makes it ideal for infusing soups, stocks, and broths. Unlike pascal celery, the entire plant including leaves is used, providing concentrated celery essence. [source]
Fresh salads and garnish
CulinaryYoung, tender leaves add peppery, celery flavor to salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. The finely dissected foliage is visually attractive and provides both flavor and nutrition. [source]
Herbal infusions and remedies
MedicinalLeaf celery has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide diuretic benefits. Fresh or dried leaves can be steeped into tea. [source]
Seasoning and flavoring blend
CulinaryDried leaves can be crumbled and used as a seasoning salt alternative, or combined with other herbs to create celery salt and seasoning blends for soups and vegetable dishes. [source]
Natural pest deterrent
HouseholdThe aromatic compounds in leaf celery, particularly apiol, can repel certain garden pests when planted near vulnerable crops and may freshen indoor spaces when cut. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plants are 8-10 inches tall (approximately 60 days from transplant). Pinch or cut leaves from the outside, working toward center, allowing inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest regularly and frequently to encourage bushier growth and prevent bolting. Morning harvesting yields the most flavorful and crisp leaves. Can be harvested continuously until first frost in cool climates or until bolting occurs in warm seasons. Young, tender leaves are most flavorful. Cut entire outer stems at soil level for larger harvests, or pinch individual leaflets.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Leaf celery is the ancestor of modern pascal celery and is still widely grown in Europe, Asia, and Mediterranean countries where it is valued for its superior flavor.
- 🌱 Also known as 'cutting celery' or 'smallage,' it was cultivated by ancient Romans and Greeks who prized it for both culinary and medicinal applications.
- 🌱 Unlike pascal celery which requires blanching to be palatable, leaf celery is delicious without any special processing and can be harvested continuously for months with proper care.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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