Celery Seeds, also known as Ajmod or Karafs, produce upright plants with crisp green stalks and aromatic leaves. Fresh celery can be added to salads, soups, stocks, stir-fries, juices and savoury dishes.

Celery grows best during cool, mild weather and needs steady moisture throughout its growth. It can be grown in garden beds or large pots, making it suitable for balconies, rooftops and home vegetable gardens.

Why Grow It

• Crisp Stalks: Fresh crunch for salads, snacks and juices.
• Useful Leaves: Adds celery flavour to soups, stocks and sauces.
• Container Friendly: One plant can grow comfortably in a large pot.
• Cool-Season Choice: Grows well during mild winter weather.

Best Conditions

• Germination: Usually 9–21 days
• Temperature: Around 15–25°C
• Sunlight: At least 5–6 hours
• Pot size: At least 12 inches wide and deep
• Spacing: About 9–12 inches between plants
• Plant height: Usually around 18–24 inches
• Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive and well-draining potting mix

Sowing note: In Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sow from September to October. In Karachi and Southern Punjab, sow from October to November after the summer heat eases. In colder northern and hilly areas, start seeds under cover in February or March and transplant after the risk of hard frost has passed.

How to Sow

1. Fill a seedling tray or small pot with fine, moist seed starter mix.
2. Scatter the tiny seeds thinly across the surface.
3. Press them gently into the mix and leave them uncovered.
4. Mist carefully and cover the tray with a clear lid or plastic cover.
5. Keep the tray in a bright place at around 15–20°C.
6. Open the cover daily for airflow and keep the surface from drying out.
7. Remove the cover after germination and provide plenty of light.
8. Transplant the seedlings into their final pots once they have 3–4 true leaves.

Celery germination can be slow and uneven, so do not discard the tray too early.

Plant Care

Keep the potting mix evenly moist throughout growth. Celery has a small root system, and dry soil can lead to tough, stringy or strongly flavoured stalks. Check container plants regularly, especially during warm or windy weather.

Mix a small amount of Vermicompost into the potting mix before transplanting. Container plants can be given half-strength NPK 20-20-20 every 2–3 weeks during active growth. If aphids or other soft-bodied pests appear, apply Neem Oil according to its directions.

Local Gardener Tips

• Add a thin layer of mulch around established plants.
• Keep the central growing point above the soil when transplanting.
• Water early in the day during cool weather.
• Remove nearby weeds by hand to avoid damaging the roots.
• Protect young plants from sudden frost.
• Move pots into afternoon shade when the weather becomes warm.

Harvesting

Begin harvesting when the outer stalks are about 12 inches long and have developed a firm, crisp texture. Cut the outer stalks close to the base while leaving the centre of the plant to continue growing.

The entire plant can also be cut at soil level once it has formed a full bunch. Harvest during cool weather when possible, as the stalks are usually more tender and less bitter.

FAQs

Is celery the same as Ajwain?

No. Celery and Ajwain are different plants. Celery is also called Ajmod or Karafs, while Ajwain has a sharper flavour and belongs to a different plant species.

Do celery seeds need soaking?

Soaking is optional, but it can help with slow or uneven germination. Soak the seeds in clean water overnight, drain them and sow them immediately.

Why does celery sometimes flower too early?

Young celery exposed to prolonged cold can begin flowering before forming thick stalks. Keep seedlings protected and avoid moving them outdoors while nights are still severely cold.

Common names: Celery, Stalk Celery, Ajmod, Karafs