Merlin Celery

Merlin is a wonderful European variety developed especially for home gardens. These early producing, vigorous plants reliably yield tall 12 inch tender stalks. Enjoy Merlin right from the garden as an easy, cooling treat, and harvest the juicy stalks for fresh salads or crunchy sweet snacks. Add them to soups, stews and many other dishes. Air dry the leaves to use in winter cooking. Celery is an excellent source of vitamin K as well as folate and potassium.
 
TO PLANT DIRECTLY OUTDOORS
Start celery in spring, when temperatures are above 50°F (10°C) day and night. Plant in full sun or, in hot summer areas, where there is afternoon shade. Celery is a heavy feeder; amend soil well with a high nitrogen fertilizer before planting. Sow seeds thinly, about 1-2 inches apart and cover very lightly. Be patient and keep seedbed evenly moist while awaiting germination which is slow and uneven. When seedlings are 3 inches tall, thin to 8 inches apart to grow to maturity.
 
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Start in early spring, 8-10 weeks before night temperatures are evenly above 50°F (10°C). Sow seeds thinly in containers of seed starting mix. Cover very lightly. Keep evenly moist; germination is uneven and takes up to 21 days. Keep seedlings at 70°F (21°C) range, providing a strong light source. Feed every 7-10 days with half strength liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion solution. When seedlings are well-established, plant in the garden 8 inches apart, so plants have room to grow and mature.
 
GROWING NOTES
For growing success and optimum flavor and yield, growing celery plants must be kept consistently moist and well fed. Check often and water regularly; a thick mulch of compost helps maintain moisture. Fertilize every few weeks with a high nitrogen fertilizer or fish emulsion solution. Harvest outside stalks at maturity as needed or cut whole plant.