Chinese Pink Celery on a white background.
Cooked and raw Chinese Pink Celery with pink rice on a white background.
Chinese Pink Celery stalks in wooden box and cut celery in a bowl on a blue background.
Chinese Pink Celery on a white background.
Cooked and raw Chinese Pink Celery with pink rice on a white background.
Chinese Pink Celery stalks in wooden box and cut celery in a bowl on a blue background.

Celery Seeds,
Chinese Pink

3.782 Reviews#CE108 · 200 seeds
Price
Regular price $4.50
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Description

(Apium graveolens) Soft as a sunset and sweet as a summer breeze, this Chinese celery glows in gentle flamingo-pink tones from seedling to harvest. First gathered for our collection by Jere Gettle at a tucked-away seed market in southern China over a decade ago, it carries a quiet story of discovery and preservation. Long appreciated in northern China and served in refined dishes in Beijing, it offers a light, crisp texture and softly sweet flavor. Easier to grow than many European types, it thrives with less fuss while bringing a calm, pastel beauty to the garden. A peaceful, feel-good celery that turns everyday meals into something just a little more magical.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Apium graveolens
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
15–20
Days to Maturity
90–120
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
10–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sow Chinese Pink celery seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last expected frost date. This timing typically falls in late winter to early spring for most regions. When transplanting outdoors, ensure that night temperatures consistently remain above 50 F. In milder climates, you can also start seeds in the fall for a spring harvest. It's also important to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden to avoid shock​​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Start by sowing the seeds 1/8 inch deep in seed trays or pots filled with a quality seed starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of 70-75 F for optimal germination. Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, thin them to one seedling per cell. Before transplanting outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Prepare the garden bed by clearing weeds and adding compost to enrich the soil. Plant the seedlings 10-12 inches apart in rows and mulch around them to conserve moisture and suppress weeds​.

How to Grow

Mulch the plants to help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Water the plants deeply and regularly, particularly during dry spells, but avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of diseases. Tall stalks may require staking to prevent them from toppling over, and it is beneficial to prune yellow or damaged leaves to redirect the plant's energy to new growth. Harvest the celery when the stalks reach about 10-12 inches in length and are firm and crisp. Typically, this occurs 90-120 days after sowing. For the best flavor, harvest in the morning when the plants are well-hydrated​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Celery and celeriac are insect pollinated and should be isolated by 1 mile from each other to ensure seed purity.
  • Both plants are biennial and must either be dug and stored or be left in the ground to overwinter and flower the following spring.
  • Harvest the seeds when they have completely dried on the plant.
  • When stored properly, celery and celeriac seeds will last for 5 years or more.

FAQ

Can Chinese Pink celery tolerate frost?

While it can handle cooler temperatures, protecting the plants with frost cloths during cold snaps is advisable to prevent damage.

Can I grow Chinese Pink celery in containers?

Yes, it can be successfully grown in containers as long as they provide good drainage and sufficient depth for root development. Ensure the containers are placed in a location receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How do I prevent Chinese Pink celery from bolting?

To prevent bolting, maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid exposing the plants to high temperatures. Providing afternoon shade in hot climates can help mitigate this issue. Regular pruning of yellow or damaged leaves can also help maintain the plant's health and productivity.

Browse our full range of celery and celeriac seeds.

Customer reviews

3.7 / 5 82 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Bright pink stalks: Vivid pink stems that stop passers-by and brighten the bed.

  • Bold celery flavor: Intense, sometimes bitter; best cooked in soups, not eaten raw.

  • Shrugs off frost: Handles light frost and overwinters in mild zones.

  • Small, thin stalks: Petite plants with slender, often tough stalks.

  • Heads up: Seedlings can stall after sprouting; bolts fast once heat arrives.

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