Celery Seeds

To get celery stalks you obviously need seeds to grow them. It begins as a celery stalk starts to flower. Celery takes about two years to flower in its natural life cycle since it's a biennial plant. During the first year, celery focuses on growing stalks and leaves. If left to overwinter (go through a cold period), the plant will typically bolt (flower) in the second growing season as it starts producing seeds. This process can be accelerated if the plant is exposed to stress or unusually cool temperatures, which can cause celery to “bolt” prematurely. The flower looks similar to the common wildflower, Queen Anne's Lace.

When the celery stalk has produced all the seeds it can, it begins to dry up. Most of the flower material will fall off, leaving the dry seeds exposed. If left long enough, seeds should be loose enough to fall right off with a few shakes. A lot of times farmers will put the seeds in front of a fan to blow away any dust or dead flowers.

Before the seeds can be sold to commercial celery farms, they have to be coated. Coating celery seeds is a process where tiny celery seeds are covered with a layer of clay or other inert material, making them larger and easier to handle. Celery seeds are extremely small and lightweight, which can make them difficult to sow accurately, especially in large-scale planting or with mechanized seeders. The coating material may also be mixed with nutrients or pesticides to protect the seedlings in their early stages, helping to improve germination rates and plant health. This coating can also absorb moisture, keeping the seed hydrated for a longer period and supporting better germination in drier soil. Overall, seed coating improves efficiency in planting, enhances seed handling, and supports stronger initial growth, which is especially important for a delicate crop like celery.

Celery seeds are used in various ways, both for culinary and medicinal purposes. In cooking, they add a distinct, savory flavor and are often used in dishes like soups, stews, and salads, as well as in pickling and seasoning blends like celery salt. The seeds are also valued in herbal medicine for their potential health benefits. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, which may help with conditions such as high blood pressure, arthritis, and digestive issues. Additionally, celery seeds are used to produce essential oils that are incorporated into aromatherapy or skin care. Lastly, they are essential for growing celery plants and are often harvested from mature plants for use in the next planting season.