How to Grow UC 157 Celery
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UC 157 Celery
Apium graveolens var. dulce
vegetableUC 157 is a high-quality celery cultivar developed by UC Davis, known for its superior flavor, tenderness, and disease resistance. It produces tall, uniform stalks with excellent heart development and extended shelf life. This variety is widely used in commercial production and home gardens for its reliability and culinary excellence.
When should you plant UC 157 Celery in your zone?
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Example UC 157 Celery timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant UC 157 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 UC 157 Celery
Around Jul 6≈ 80 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact UC 157 Celery dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best in cooler seasons (spring and fall in warmer zones)
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Seedling
3-4 weeks to first true leavesTiny seeds germinate slowly, producing cotyledons and first true leaves. Very delicate and slow-growing initially.
Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Maintain 70°F soil temperature. Keep consistently moist. Provide bright light once sprouted. Thin to strongest seedlings.
Transplant
4-6 weeksYoung plants develop 3-4 true leaves and grow to 2-3 inches tall. Ready for hardening off and outdoor planting.
Harden off gradually over 7-10 days. Keep soil consistently moist. Maintain 60-70°F. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksLeafy crown expands with multiple petioles (stalks) developing. Plant grows taller and wider, establishing root system.
Water deeply and consistently (1-1.5 inches weekly). Apply thick mulch to keep roots cool and moist. Side-dress with compost every 3 weeks. Monitor for early pest/disease signs.
Stalk Development & Blanching
4-6 weeksStalks thicken and mature, becoming tender and pale if blanched. Heart stalks develop in the center crown.
Begin blanching 2-3 weeks before harvest by mounding soil around base or wrapping stalks with cardboard/paper. Maintain consistent moisture. Continue feeding every 2-3 weeks.
Harvest-Ready
2-4 weeks of harvest windowStalks are full-sized (12-18 inches), crisp, and tender with well-developed heart. Plants are mature for cutting.
Harvest when stalks are firm and green (or pale if blanched). Cut outer stalks first or harvest entire head at soil level. UC 157 maintains quality in cool storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected leaves; apply neem oil or spinosad; use row covers on young plants; encourage parasitic wasps
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Spray with water stream; apply insecticidal soap; use reflective mulch; introduce ladybugs
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and
Hand-pick at dusk; beer traps; diatomaceous earth; copper tape barriers; remove garden debris
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Hand-pick caterpillars; allow parasitic wasps; remove fennel/dill nearby if not desired; Bt spray if severe
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Increase humidity; spray with water; apply neem oil; sulfur dusting in dry climates
Uses
Fresh Eating & Salads
CulinaryUC 157's tender stalks and mild flavor make it ideal for fresh eating raw in salads, as crudités, or on its own. The variety is prized for its consistent tenderness and lack of stringiness compared to other celery varieties. [source]
Cooking & Mirepoix
CulinaryA foundational vegetable in mirepoix (celery, onion, carrot base) for soups, stews, and braises. Its stable flavor profile makes UC 157 reliable for cooked applications. [source]
Juicing & Beverages
CulinaryFresh celery juice has gained popularity as a health beverage; UC 157's mild flavor and tender stalks produce sweet, palatable juice with good yield. [source]
Nutritional & Wellness
MedicinalCelery is rich in vitamins K and C, potassium, and antioxidants. Compounds in celery (3-n-butylphthalide) have been studied for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. [source]
Seed Production
HouseholdUC 157 can be overwintered in mild climates or moved indoors to produce celery seed for culinary use or replanting. Seeds develop in the plant's second year. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest UC 157 celery when stalks are 12-18 inches tall and firm. Cut outer stalks individually starting 4-6 weeks after transplanting, or harvest the entire head at soil level when mature. For crispest product, blanch stalks 2-3 weeks before harvest by mounding soil or wrapping with cardboard. Harvest in early morning for best crispness. Refrigerate unwashed in plastic bags for up to 3 weeks. UC 157's superior shelf-life makes it excellent for storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 UC 157 was developed at UC Davis and released in 1957 (hence '157'), becoming one of the most widely grown celery varieties in North America due to superior disease resistance and uniform quality.
- 🌱 Celery seeds are tiny—over 3,000 seeds weigh just one gram—making them notoriously difficult to germinate, which is why most gardeners use transplants rather than direct seeding.
- 🌱 The white or pale color in blanched celery develops because excluding sunlight prevents chlorophyll production, resulting in more tender, milder-flavored stalks that were historically preferred in European and upscale American markets.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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