Celery – Tall Utah 52-70

Description

Tall Utah 52-70 Celery (a.k.a. Utah 52-70 , Utah Giant 52-70, Utah Improved 52-70)

200 Seeds per pack

Days to Maturity: 100–120 Days

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

Botanical Name: Apium graveolens

Tall Utah 52-70 is an improved heirloom celery introduced by Ferry-Morse in 1953. It was bred to grow taller, develop deeper green color, and offer sweeter, crisper stalks than earlier Utah strains. This variety has since earned a reputation among home gardeners and commercial growers alike for its excellent flavor, dependable performance, and overall vigor.

The plants grow up to 30″ tall and produce straight, uniform stalks that average 11–12″ long. These medium-dark green stalks are crisp, stringless, and tender—perfect for fresh eating, snacking, or adding to soups and cooked dishes. Despite its name, the “52-70” refers to seedling development timing, not harvest days. Expect full maturity in about 100–120 days, although stalks can be harvested earlier once they reach a usable size.

One of the standout features of Tall Utah 52-70 is that it does not require blanching to develop its attractive color and mild taste. The variety also shows reliable disease resistance to Brown Check, Western Celery Mosaic, and Fusarium Race II. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a great option for many gardeners.

Whether you’re growing for your kitchen or for market, Tall Utah 52-70 offers that classic celery crunch to your plate!

Planting Instructions for Tall Utah 52-70 Celery Seeds

When to Plant: Start Tall Utah 52-70 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. Tall Utah 52-70 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.

Tall Utah 52-70 does not require blanching and reliably produces tall, upright stalks that are medium-dark green, stringless, and full-flavored with a refreshing crunch. However, if your stalks are exposed to intense sun or begin to toughen, you may optionally blanch them by shading the lower stalks using soil, boards, or light covers. This can help reduce bitterness and improve tenderness—especially in strong sun or very warm climates.

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. Tall Utah 52-70 offers strong resistance to several common celery diseases, including Brown Check, Western Celery Mosaic, and Fusarium Race II. 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 30″ tall and compact. For best flavor and texture, harvest before yellowing or frost. Tall Utah 52-70 celery is ready 100–120 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: Tall Utah 52-70 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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