Cutting Celery Gewöhnlicher Schnitt [Apium graveolens var. secalinum]

The biennial cutting celery 'Gewöhnlicher Schnitt' is an old herb with an aromatic taste. The vigorous variety forms numerous dark green leaf stalks that can be used fresh or dried as a spice. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves and stalks.

 Description 
The cutting celery 'Gewöhnlicher Schnitt' is a biennial herb that was developed in the 17th century. This variety originally comes from wild celery and grows with a very small tuber from which the many leafy, juicy stalks are formed. The vigorous plant has dark green leaves that are very aromatic and are used fresh or dried as a spice. Suitable for freezing, as a winter supply and for fresh marketing and processing. In favorable climatic conditions with only light frosts, the plants can be overwintered.

 General information 
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 80 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 10-20 days
Plant and row spacing: 15x40 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Cabbage, Kohlrabi, Lamb's lettuce, Beans, Cucumbers, Chamomile, Leek, Chard, Rocket, Spinach, Tomato, Buckwheat, Mahonia, Marjoram, Shepherd's purse, Garlic
Unfavorable mixed culture: Artichoke, Dill, Carrot, Potato, Lettuce, Corn, Pepper, Parsley

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to June is recommended. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Pre-cultivation from March to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing in rows with subsequent singling at the specified planting distance is recommended.
Cutting celery 'Gewöhnlicher Schnitt' does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Celery can be grown on saline soils. After germination, ensure that temperatures are constant; a cold stimulus at this stage of development can trigger premature bolting. For a longer harvest period, care should be taken to harvest the outer stems first and not to damage the heart. Due to the fine, shallow roots, digging between the plants is not recommended. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water retention capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Consistent watering is important for stable growth. Fertilization is recommended after 10 weeks.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Apium graveolens var. secalinum
English names: Cutting celery
German names: Schnittsellerie
Portuguese names: Aipo verde cortar
Spanish names: Cortar apio
French names: Céleri coupé

 Origin 
Country: Germany