Celery flowers are a natural part of the plant’s life cycle. This phenomenon, often called “bolting,” is common for gardeners. Understanding why celery flowers appear and what to do can help manage your garden.
Understanding Celery Flowers
Celery flowers typically emerge in umbrella-shaped clusters, known as umbels, composed of many small, creamy-white or pale green blossoms. These delicate clusters resemble the flowers of other plants in the Apiaceae family, such as dill or Queen Anne’s Lace. Their appearance signals the plant is producing seeds.
Celery is a biennial plant, meaning it usually completes its life cycle over two years. In its first year, it focuses on developing the leafy stalks we typically harvest. The plant naturally flowers and sets seed in its second year. However, various environmental cues can trigger this bolting process prematurely in cultivation.
Why Celery Plants Flower (Bolting)
Several factors can prompt a celery plant to flower prematurely. Temperature fluctuations are a common trigger; exposure to cold temperatures, especially below 55°F, followed by warmer spells, can induce bolting. Prolonged periods of high temperatures also stress the plant, leading it to flower as a survival mechanism.
Environmental stressors also encourage bolting. Inconsistent moisture, such as a lack of water or overly dry soil, can cause stress. Nutrient deficiencies or overcrowding can similarly stress the plants, prompting them to divert energy towards seed production.
Effects of Flowering on Celery Plants
Once a celery plant begins to flower, its energy allocation shifts dramatically from producing succulent stalks to developing flowers and seeds. This change impacts the quality of the edible stalks. They tend to become tough, stringy, and hollow.
The flavor of the stalks also changes, often developing a distinctly bitter taste. While the stalks are generally still safe to consume after bolting, their altered texture and flavor make them less desirable for fresh eating.
What to Do When Celery Flowers
When celery plants flower, several options are available depending on your gardening goals. If you wish to collect seeds, allow the flowers to dry on the plant until the seeds are hard, dark-colored, and detach easily. Once harvested, these seeds can be stored for future planting or used as a culinary spice.
The flowers themselves are edible and can be used to add a mild celery flavor and decorative touch to dishes. They can serve as a garnish or be incorporated into salads and other recipes. If the stalks are no longer palatable and you do not wish to collect seeds, removing the plant will free up garden space for new plantings.
To minimize bolting in future crops, consider planting celery during cooler seasons or providing shade during intense heat. Maintaining consistent soil moisture and ensuring adequate spacing between plants can also reduce stress and discourage premature flowering. Selecting bolt-resistant celery varieties can further aid in prevention.