Chinese celery, Asian celery, Leaf celery
Apium graveolens var. secalinum

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A straggling slender plant. It takes two years to grow then flower and form seeds. It grows to about 40 cm high. It has shorter, lower-growing stems which are less succulent than ordinary celery. The stems are furrowed and hollow. The leaves are bright green and dissected. The flowers are small and white. Leaf and stem colour can vary between varieties.

There are about 20 Apium species.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It needs a rich well-drained soil. It does best in full sunlight. In tropical and subtropical regions it grows best in the shade. It needs regularly watering during dry periods to avoid stems becoming tough. It suits hardiness zones 5-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Britain, Cambodia, China, Europe, Guyana, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Macedonia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, SE Asia, South America, Sweden, Thailand

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten. They are used in soups and salads. The stems can also be eaten. Celery seeds can be used as a spice.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, spice, vegetable

How it is grown

Seed are sown directly. If seed are sown too early in spring in cold places plants will bolt and go straight to seed. Germination takes about 20 days. Plants need to be 15 cm apart.

Leaves and young stems are harvested regularly once the plant is established.

Its other names

Local names

Ajmod, Ajmud, K'an tsoi, Kin chai, Quing cai, Randhuni, Seri-na, Shalari

Synonyms

Apium dulce Miller; Apium lusitanicum Miller; Apium rapaceum Miller; Apium graveolens cv. secalinum Alef.;