Apium graveolens 'Tall Utah'
Tall Utah Celery
Europe and W Asia (marshes, wet meadows, coastal; Tall Utah developed Utah 1950s; tall thick stringless stalks; demanding grower)Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
4 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancesemi-hardy
Overview
Apium graveolens 'Tall Utah' is a biennial vegetable grown as an annual, reaching 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) tall with a spread of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) and an upright, compact, bunching habit. An heirloom celery cultivar developed in Utah in the 1950s, it produces thick, crisp, medium green stalks 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) long with a compact, solid heart. Stalks are stringless to low-string with good snap. Days to maturity 80-100 from transplant. Growth rate is moderate. Cool-season crop—bolts in sustained heat above 80°F (27°C). Long growing season required. Celery is among the most demanding garden vegetables—consistent moisture, rich soil, and cool temperatures throughout the growing period.
Native Range
Apium graveolens is native to Europe and western Asia—in marshes, wet meadows, and coastal salt flats. 'Tall Utah' was developed in Utah in the 1950s for garden performance.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens for culinary use—raw eating, cooking, soups, juicing. Thick crisp stringless stalks. Compact heart. 80-100 days from transplant. Demanding—consistent moisture, rich soil, cool temps. Long indoor start. Not suitable for hot climates, dry conditions, or neglected garden beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 2'6"
Width/Spread10" - 1'
Bloom Information
Celery bolts in the second year or when stressed by prolonged heat or cold. Produces small umbels of greenish-white flowers on stalks to 3 feet (90 cm). Bolting ends harvest—stalks turn bitter and woody.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish-white; small umbels; bolting only—undesirableFoliage Description
Medium green; compound; on thick crisp stalks 11-12 inchesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Start seed indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost—seed is slow to germinate (2-3 weeks). Transplant after last frost when nights stay above 50°F (10°C). Rich, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Consistent moisture critical—never let soil dry out. Feed heavily every 2-3 weeks. Cool temperatures 60-70°F (16-21°C). Days to maturity 80-100 from transplant. Blanch stalks by hilling soil or wrapping 2-3 weeks before harvest for milder flavor.Pruning
Harvest outer stalks individually as needed, or cut entire plant at base. No pruning needed. Remove any flower stalks immediately if bolting begins.Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons