Celery – Tendercrisp

Description

Tendercrisp Celery

200 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 90–105 Days

Sun Requirements: Full sun (6–8 hours); tolerates light shade in hot weather to prevent wilting.

Botanical Name: Apium graveolens

Tendercrisp Celery is a robust Pascal-type heirloom introduced by Ferry-Morse in 1969, known for its consistently tall, crisp stalks and dependable performance in the garden. Bred for flavor and vigor, it quickly became a favorite among home growers and market gardeners alike. This open-pollinated variety forms large, compact heads with tall, dark green stalks that average 11–12″ long. Plants typically reach 24–36″ in height and offer a heavy harvest of smooth, thick, non-fibrous stalks with a crisp, juicy texture and subtly nutty flavor. Some describe the taste as peppery and zesty when freshly picked—perfect for both raw snacking and cooked dishes.

It matures in about 90–105 days, though baby stalks can be harvested earlier for a milder, more tender bite. Tendercrisp shows tolerance to boron and magnesium deficiencies, along with some resistance to Western Celery Mosaic Virus. It’s also a good source of vitamin K, beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious staple in any garden.

Reliable, flavorful, and easy to grow, this variety continues to earn its place in gardens across the country!

Planting Instructions for Tendercrisp Celery Seeds

When to Plant: Start Tendercrisp celery seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before your last expected spring frost. For fall crops, sow 15–19 weeks before your first fall frost. Celery needs a long, cool growing season and is best started indoors for reliable results. While it is possible to direct sow in mild climates with long seasons, uneven germination and slow early growth often make transplants the better choice. Transplant outdoors when nights consistently stay above 50°F. Avoid cold snaps, which can trigger bolting.

Where to Plant: Choose a site with full sun (6–8 hours daily), though light afternoon shade is helpful in hot climates. Tendercrisp celery prefers fertile, well-drained soil that holds moisture, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Raised beds or amended garden soil with compost are ideal.

How to Sow Seeds: Soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Press them gently into moist seed-starting mix—do not cover, as they need light to sprout. Use a heat mat if possible. Germination takes 1–3 weeks. Thin seedlings and transplant when they have 3–4 true leaves. Harden off transplants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before planting them in the garden.

Growing: Transplant 8–10″ apart in rows spaced 18–24″ apart, or plant in tight blocks to promote upright growth. Keep soil evenly moist with 1–2″ of water weekly. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature. Fertilize with nitrogen-rich compost or a phosphorus-rich fertilizer such as 5-10-10 at transplanting and again after 4–6 weeks. Tie stalks loosely if they begin to sprawl. Tendercrisp does not typically require blanching and reliably produces thick, upright stalks that are smooth, dark green, and crisp with a juicy, slightly nutty flavor. However, if your stalks are exposed to sun or begin to toughen, you may want to blanch them by shading the lower stalks using soil, boards, or light covers. This can help reduce bitterness and improve tenderness.

Care Tips: Weed gently—celery has shallow roots. Watch for pests such as aphids, slugs, and armyworms, and diseases like bacterial blight or soft rot. Tendercrisp shows tolerance to boron and magnesium deficiencies and has some resistance to Western Celery Mosaic Virus. Use row covers early and rotate planting locations annually to reduce disease risk.

Harvesting: Harvest outer stalks when they reach about 10″ tall, or cut the entire plant at the base once it reaches full maturity—typically 24–36″ tall. For best flavor and texture, harvest before yellowing or frost. Tendercrisp celery is ready 90–105 days from sowing.

Storage: Wrap fresh heads in foil and refrigerate for several weeks. For longer storage, chop and blanch celery before freezing, or dehydrate leaves and stalks for soups and seasonings. Use fresh celery when texture is most important.

Seed Saving: Tendercrisp celery is a biennial and sets seed in its second year. To save seed, overwinter healthy roots, replant them in spring, and allow them to flower and dry down. Isolate from celeriac or wild celery to avoid cross-pollination. Store dried seeds in a cool, dry place. For best results, use seed-saving envelopes or a glass jar labeled with the variety and harvest date.

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