Afina

Family: Apiaceae Herb

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

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

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.