Early Belle

Celery

Zone 12a Save Garden

🌱 70d to harvest Rosette

Crisp as cool morning air, Early Belle delivers tender, stringless stalks with a bright, clean snap and a pleasantly mild celery …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Nov 20th
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Mar 12th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Apium graveolens var. dulce (celery root/celeriac-type sweet celery) plants getting yellow, wilting, and brown leaf spots?

This is commonly caused by early blight/leaf spot-like fungal diseases in celery, especially when leaves stay wet. Water at the soil line and improve airflow by spacing plants, then remove and discard heavily spotted leaves. If new spots keep appearing, apply a labeled fungicide for celery/leaf spot according to the label and avoid overhead irrigation for the rest of the season.

How often should I water Apium graveolens var. dulce during the main growing phase (after seedlings are established)?

During active growth, keep the top 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, which usually means watering 1–2 times per week depending on weather. If you can press a thumb into the soil and it’s dry and crumbly, water deeply; if it feels slick or stays wet, cut back. Aim for steady moisture because celery is sensitive to drying out, which can cause stunted growth and poor texture.

How can I tell when Apium graveolens var. dulce is ready to harvest (around 70 days)?

Harvest when the plants have reached a firm, well-developed rosette and stems/heads feel crisp rather than hollow or floppy. Typical readiness is about 70 days from sowing/transplanting, but use size and firmness as the final check. For best flavor, harvest in cooler weather before strong heat pushes the plants toward bitterness or bolting.

Crisp as cool morning air, Early Belle delivers tender, stringless stalks with a bright, clean snap and a pleasantly mild celery flavor. At maturity, the plants form an upright, compact habit that helps keep color fresh and texture refined, ideal for gardeners who want dependable performance in about 70 days. Grow Early Belle for fresh bunches and for sauces and pickling where its delicate bite shines.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 5 days first.

Expert Note

Start Early Belle indoors well ahead of the frost window, then transplant as soon as nights are forecast to stay reliably above freezing to minimize bolting and get steady, crisp growth.