How to Grow Smallage
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Smallage
Apium graveolens var. secalinum
vegetableSmallage, also known as wild celery or leaf celery, is a hardy biennial herb grown for its flavorful green foliage rather than thick stalks. It produces deeply cut, aromatic leaves that resemble parsley and has been cultivated for centuries as a culinary and medicinal plant. This vigorous variety is more tolerant of poor conditions than cultivated celery and has a more intense, slightly spicy flavor.
When should you plant Smallage in your zone?
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Example Smallage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Smallage
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 Smallage
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Smallage dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, cold-hardy and can overwinter in temperate climates
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Get my Smallage timeline →Growth Stages
Seed Germination
2-3 weeksSeeds are very small and slow to germinate, developing first tiny cotyledons. Soil must remain consistently warm and moist.
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or direct sow after frost danger passes. Keep soil at 60-70°F for germination. Be patient; germination takes 2-3 weeks.
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-3 true leaves developing; seedlings are delicate and thin-stemmed.
Maintain consistent moisture and warm conditions. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves. Provide gentle air circulation to prevent damping off.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant rapidly develops feathery, deeply cut green foliage. Leaves become increasingly aromatic and flavorful.
Water regularly and provide balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch off any early flower buds if you want to extend leaf production. Mulch around plants.
Mature Leaf Production
6-10 weeksPlant is fully leafed with abundant dark green, finely divided foliage at peak flavor and aroma.
Begin regular harvesting from outer leaves. Continue watering and feeding. Harvest regularly to encourage more leaf growth and delay flowering.
Flowering & Seed Production
4-8 weeksSmall yellowish-green flowers appear in late summer/fall in typical celery umbel clusters. Seeds develop and ripen.
Allow flowering if you want to collect seeds. Allow plants to mature for 2-3 weeks after flowering before harvesting seeds. Cut seed heads when brown and dry, then dry further indoors.
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy affected leaves; use row covers on young plants; introduce parasitic wasps; neem oil spray
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; ladybugs and parasitic wasps; neem oil
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Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil or miticide if severe
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Hand-pick in evening; beer traps; copper barriers; encourage ground beetles
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Fine row covers; companion planting with onions; destroy plant debris
Uses
Soups & Broths
CulinarySmallage leaves impart a rich, complex celery flavor to broths, soups, and stocks. The aromatic foliage is essential in French mirepoix and other culinary preparations requiring deeper celery essence. [source]
Fresh Salads & Garnish
CulinaryYoung leaves add peppery, aromatic celery notes to salads and serve as an attractive garnish. The finely cut foliage provides visual interest and bold flavor. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalSmallage has been used in traditional herbalism for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. Leaf and seed infusions were historically prepared for various ailments. [source]
Herbal Infusions & Tea
HouseholdDried leaves make a flavorful herbal tea with aromatic, slightly spicy celery notes. The infusion aids digestion and provides a caffeine-free beverage option. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, smallage produces abundant small nectar-rich flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Seeds feed songbirds and finches. [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 when plant is 6-8 inches tall, typically 60-70 days after planting. Pinch or cut leaves from the outside of the plant, working inward, which encourages continued growth. Harvest regularly to maintain tenderness and delay bolting. For continuous harvest, pick leaves throughout the growing season. Seeds mature in late fall; cut entire seed heads when dry and brown, then dry indoors for 2-3 weeks before threshing. Freeze or dry leaves for winter storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Smallage is the direct ancestor of modern cultivated celery and has been grown since ancient Greek and Roman times, earning it the nickname 'wild celery.'
- 🌱 Unlike conventional celery which requires blanching to reduce bitterness, smallage is naturally more tender and flavorful without special processing, making it easier for home gardeners to grow.
- 🌱 Smallage was historically used as a symbol in ancient Rome and is depicted in classical artwork; the plant's nutritional and medicinal value made it a status symbol in medieval gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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