Apium graveolens var. secalinum Seeds | Leaf Celery
LATIN NAME: Apium graveolens var. Secalinum
COMMON NAME: Leaf Celery
Plant Profile
Apium graveolens var. Secalinum, commonly known as Leaf Celery, is a biennial in the carrot family. Leaf celery holds its small, ridged, aromatic leaves in neat, upright clumps, and small, white flowers open in loose heads of second season. It is a plant of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist ground. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Apium graveolens var. Secalinum ranges from the botany of the carrot family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Leaf Celery earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Leaf celery is a fine, generous herb of kitchen garden and warm table. It is a fine, generous herb of open, sunny, deep, rich, moist garden. Sow in early spring for summer leaves, and aromatic greens will come fast. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Celery seed is an official herbal medicine in several traditions, used as a diuretic and for joint comfort, while the stalk is a kitchen staple valued for potassium and apigenin. Celery seed essential oil is also a classic flavoring.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Leaf Celery under ordinary good conditions. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Once established, Leaf Celery largely looks after itself. Keep the sowing evenly moist at the start — that is the one real requirement.
Related Reading
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