Peppermint Stick

Family: Apiaceae Vegetable

Crisp as a cool breeze, Peppermint Stick celery carries a uniquely refreshing, peppermint-leaning fragrance that rises from its tender stalks.

Expect medium-tall, tightly blanched ribs with a clean crunch and a bright, herbaceous snap—ideal for elevating fresh salads, silky sauces, and aromatic soups where its cooling aroma can shine.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Peppermint Stick

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 11th
Harvest Begins	Jul 5th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
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

Peppermint Stick celery is built for cool, crunchy impact—its tender ribs don’t go stringy quickly, and the pepperminty perfume lifts soups and sauces without tasting “weedy.” Use it late or fresh to keep that aromatic snap front and center, then let it mellow gently in warm, reduced preparations.

Best Uses

cold salads and crudités where it stays crisp under vinaigrette
blended soups and silky potage (its aroma blooms, then mellows)
quick pickle or quick-brine for a clean, menthol-like snap
garnish for hot dishes—late placement so the fragrance doesn’t cook off

Flavor Profile

cool, peppermint-leaning aromatic snap bright, herbaceous celery bite tender crunch with tight, juicy ribs

Kitchen Pairings

lemon zest butter parmesan caraway seeds white fish Greek yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Apium graveolens var. dulce (Peppermint Stick celery) and how do I treat it?

Celery commonly suffers from early blight/fungal leaf spots (often worsened by wet foliage and poor airflow). Water at the soil line, avoid getting leaves wet, and remove badly spotted outer leaves; if spots spread quickly, spray an approved copper-based fungicide and repeat as directed on the label.

How often should I water Peppermint Stick celery during its main growth to prevent stress?

During the main growth period, keep the root zone evenly moist—about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Aim for consistently damp soil rather than cycles of drying and soaking, because drought stress can reduce leaf size and flavor.

How can I tell when Peppermint Stick celery is ready to harvest?

Harvest around 85 days from sowing/transplanting window when stalks are firm and reach the expected size for “stick” celery, and individual stalks can be pulled with resistance without feeling hollow or overly flimsy. Start with outer stalks first to extend the harvest, cutting at the base or gently pulling once stalks look fully developed and crisp.