Red Venture

Celery

85d to harvest

Crisp as a cool morning breeze, Red Venture celery brings a striking blush of ruby-red to its tender ribs, with a clean, bright celery flavor that stays pleasantly sweet. Expect a tight, upright habit and succulent, leaf-forward stalks with a fine, snappy texture—ideal for fresh bunches and bold, aromatic flavor in any garden harvest. Grow it for its showy color and dependable 85-day timing, then enjoy the vibrant crunch it lends to salads and flavorful blends.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Dec 25th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects sweet celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce), and what should I do if I see it?

Celery is especially prone to Septoria leaf spot (small tan spots with darker borders that spread on older leaves). Remove and discard affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and improve airflow around plants; if the problem persists, spray a labeled fungicide that’s safe for edible celery following the label rate and timing. Check plants after rainy periods because splash-borne spores spread quickly in dense foliage.

How often should I water sweet celery during the main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly from transplanting until about a month before harvest), keep the soil consistently moist—aim for evenly damp beds, not drying out between waterings. In typical home gardens this often means watering about 1–2 times per week, but adjust to soil texture and weather so moisture stays steady at the root zone (mulch helps reduce swings). Celery that dries then gets water again commonly leads to bitterness and poor, fibrous stalks.

How can I tell when sweet celery is ready to harvest at about 85 days?

Harvest when stalks feel firm and crisp, and the plant has formed a tight crown with stalks that are thick for their size. You should also see mature leaf size and color, with the plant reaching full height for your spacing—typically near your 85-day target from sowing/transplanting as appropriate. For best eating quality, cut stalks at the base in the morning and keep them cool immediately after harvest.