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The shop is now closed. The listing here is for information only. Please see the Home Page for more information.
Apium graveolens secalinum | ||||||||||||
Leaf celery, Wild celery, 'Par-Cel', Smallage | ||||||||||||
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Looking almost identical to flat leaved parsley, all parts of this plant have a strong celery scent and flavour. Add a sprig or finely chopped leaves to stocks and sauces. The insignificant flowers are white, followed by masses of seed, which can be used to make celery salt (hover over apple icon for instructions). It is also said to repel insects including the cabbage white butterfly and can therefore be used as a companion plant which should be particularly effective grown near plants in the brassica family. | ||||||||||||
Sowing and/or growing instructions | ||||||||||||
Direct sow 0.5in/12mm deep (needs darkness and moisture to germinate reliably) in autumn or spring, either in rows in the vegetable patch or dot around the garden, thinning to a foot or so apart. I have never found it necessary to soak the seed in hot water, as is often recommended. Pinch or cut out flowering stems when the plants are relatively young, but if you wish, allow them to develop flowers and self-seed later in the year. |