Leaf Celery: The Flavorful Herb for Your Garden
Introduction
Celery is a popular vegetable that is often used in soups, salads, and stews. However, there is another variety of celery that is grown specifically for its leaves. Leaf celery, also known as cutting celery or soup celery, has a darker color, more leaves, and thinner stalks than traditional celery. The leaves have a strong, peppery flavor that makes them a great addition to many dishes.
Growing Leaf Celery
Growing leaf celery is relatively easy, especially compared to growing celery for its stalks. It prefers partial sun and requires a lot of moisture, so it is best to plant it in a wet area and water it regularly. Leaf celery can be grown in containers or in the ground, and it reaches a maximum height of 8-12 inches.
Germinating leaf celery seeds can be a bit tricky. Direct sowing does not have a very high success rate, so it is best to start your seeds indoors two to three months before the last frost date of spring. The seeds need light to germinate, so press them into the top of the soil so they are still exposed. Water them from below instead of above so as not to cover them with disturbed soil. The seeds should sprout after two to three weeks and should be set outside only after the danger of frost has passed.
Using Leaf Celery
Leaf celery is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is often used as a garnish, but it can also be added to soups, stews, and salads. The leaves have a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way.
One of the great things about leaf celery is that it can be treated as a “cut and come again” plant. This means that you can harvest the leaves as needed, and the plant will continue to produce new growth.
Drying Leaf Celery
Leaf celery can be dried and stored for later use. To dry leaf celery, hang the stalks upside down in a ventilated area. Once the leaves are completely dry, they can be crumbled and stored in an airtight container. Dried leaf celery can be used as a seasoning or as a garnish.
Substituting Leaf Celery
Leaf celery can be substituted for flat leaf parsley in many recipes. However, leaf celery has a stronger flavor than parsley, so you may want to use less of it.
Growing Leaf Celery in Containers
Leaf celery is well-suited for growing in containers. This makes it a great option for gardeners who have limited space. When growing leaf celery in containers, be sure to use a potting mix that is well-draining. You should also water the plants regularly and fertilize them every few weeks.
Conclusion
Leaf celery is a flavorful and versatile herb that is easy to grow. It can be used in a variety of dishes, and it is a great addition to any garden.