Celery

celery plants

Celery grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches and is composed of leaf-topped stalks arranged in a cone that are joined at a common base. The stalks have a crunchy texture and a delicate, but mildly salty taste. It is a biennial vegetable that belongs to the Umbelliferae family whose other members include carrots, fennel, parsley, and dill. (Photo credit: Utah State University) While many people associate celery with its prized stalks, the leaves and roots can also be used as a food or seasoning as well as a natural medicine. Celery can be difficult to grow in Kansas as it prefers cooler weather but requires a long season to mature. It’s best grown in the fall.