Afina

Family: Apiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

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Crisp, cool-scented stalks of Afina rise with an inviting crunch—tender, stringless hearts that feel silky to the bite and hold their snap in the garden.

This cutting celery forms compact, upright growth with clean, well-blanched stems that are ideal for harvesting as needed, delivering bright celery flavor and a refreshing texture for everyday use. Afina matures in about 60 days, making it a reliable choice for gardeners who want steady, high-quality cuttings from a tidy stand.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Rosette

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Afina Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Apr 20th	Jun 1st	Jul 31st – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Apr 13th	May 25th	Jul 24th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 3rd	May 15th	Jul 14th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 3rd	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 7th	May 19th	Jul 18th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 3rd	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 1st	May 13th	Jul 12th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 27th	May 8th	Jul 7th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 23rd	May 4th	Jul 3rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 20th	May 1st	Jun 30th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 14th	Apr 25th	Jun 24th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 9th	Apr 20th	Jun 19th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 27th	Apr 10th	Jun 9th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 18th	Apr 1st	May 31st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 9th	Mar 23rd	May 22nd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 23rd	Mar 6th	May 5th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 29th	Feb 9th	Apr 10th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Afina’s stringless, silky hearts make it a go-to for eating raw—no need to hide it in cooked dishes to get a clean texture. Use it anywhere you want a crisp, cool-green crunch that holds its bite under quick heat or stays snappy against sharp acid.

Best Uses

shaved celery salad with lemony vinaigrette
stir-fries and quick sautés where it must stay crisp
stock and pan sauces for a clean, aromatic backbone
crudités and dips—sticks that don’t go floppy

Flavor Profile

bright celery bite cool, green aromatics tender, stringless crunch silky hearts with a light vegetal snap

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil butter parmesan chicken white beans

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on Afina while it’s growing?

Powdery mildew shows up as a white, dusty coating on Afina leaves, usually when air is still and nights are cool. Remove the worst affected leaves early, then improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line (not the foliage). If it keeps spreading, spray a labeled potassium bicarbonate or sulfur-based fungicide, and repeat according to the product label every 5–7 days during humid spells.

How often should I water Afina during the main growing phase to keep soil evenly moist?

From transplanting through the bulk growth period (roughly weeks 3–8), keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat—more often in part-sun summer conditions—then slow down once the plants begin to size up, letting the top inch dry slightly between waterings. Avoid daily light watering, which encourages shallow roots and leaf stress.

When is Afina ready to harvest, and what should I look for?

Afina is typically ready at about 60 days from sowing/transplanting window, but harvest is best when plants have reached full size and the crop looks firm and well-developed. Check the stems and leaves: pick when growth is sturdy and peak color/shape is reached, not after leaves start yellowing heavily. Harvest in the cool part of the day and use immediately or chill promptly for best texture.