Par-Cel

Family: Apiaceae Herb

Fragrant and vividly crisp, Par-Cel delivers cutting celery with a cool, green snap and a bright, herbal depth that lingers on the palate.

At about 60 days, tender stalks form an upright, harvest-ready clump with a clean, succulent texture—ideal for repeated snipping from the garden. Grow Par-Cel for its heirloom character and its steadfast performance, turning everyday salads and garnishes into something distinctly aromatic and alive with garden flavor.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Rosette

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
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	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Par-Cel’s cutting-celery character is all about that cool, succulent snap and an herbal finish that shows up even when chopped small. It’s the kind of celery you want raw or lightly dressed—because its fragrance stays vivid instead of turning muddy under heavy cooking.

Best Uses

thin rounds in salads where they can stay snappy under vinaigrette
batons and “snack” stalks with herby spreads or dip
quick-pulse relish or chopped garnish for poached chicken, fish, and egg salad
stir into stock and broth for a fresh, aromatic backbone that doesn’t taste cooked-away

Flavor Profile

cool, green snap bright, herbal celery leaf aroma lightly savory, saline finish clean crunch with juicy rib texture

Kitchen Pairings

lemon bacon parmesan cream cheese chicken white pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Par-Cel (Apium graveolens var. secalinum), and how do I treat it?

Par-Cel is prone to leaf blight and rust-like spotting from warm, humid conditions (often showing up as brown/bronze lesions on leaves). Remove affected leaves promptly and improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line rather than over the foliage. If problems persist, apply a labeled fungicide for celery/Apiaceae leaf diseases and start preventing early whenever weather stays humid.

How often should I water Par-Cel during the main growing phase?

During active growth (after seedlings establish), keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for evenly damp soil down several inches. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on heat, increasing frequency during dry spells, and stop short of soggy beds that can trigger root problems. A simple check: the top 1 inch should be moist; if it dries out and crusts, water sooner.

How can I tell when Par-Cel is ready to harvest at about 60 days?

Par-Cel is ready when the edible roots are well-formed and feel firm, with the plant’s outer leaves looking healthy and less “fresh/juvenile.” Typically you can harvest start-to-finish around 60 days after sowing, but for best flavor wait until the roots are noticeably thicker at the soil surface. Gently lift one plant to confirm root size, then harvest the rest.