Growli

UK sowing calendar

When to sow celery in the UK

Celery sowing calendar (UK)

Sow under coverMar-Apr
Sow / plant outdoorsMay-Jun (plant out)
HarvestAug-Oct

Sow under cover mid-Mar to Apr - seed needs light and at least 15C to germinate. Plant out only once frost has passed (late May-Jun); temperatures below 10C can trigger bolting, so don't rush it outside.

UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.

Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for celery.

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When to sow celery in the UK — FAQs

When should I sow celery in the UK?

Sow celery under cover Mar-Apr, then outdoors may-jun (plant out). Sow under cover mid-Mar to Apr - seed needs light and at least 15C to germinate. Plant out only once frost has passed (late May-Jun); temperatures below 10C can trigger bolting, so don't rush it outside.

Can you sow celery outdoors in the UK?

Yes — sow or plant celery outdoors may-jun (plant out). Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.

When is celery ready to harvest in the UK?

Celery is typically harvested Aug-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.

Is it too late to sow celery?

It depends on the month and your region. Celery has a UK outdoor window of may-jun (plant out); northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.