Yes, celery grows back after cutting, making it popular for kitchen scrap gardening and continuous harvesting. The plant possesses a natural ability to regenerate new stalks and leaves from its central growth point, provided that area remains undamaged. This capacity allows for two methods: sprouting a new, smaller plant from a discarded base, or selectively harvesting from an established, mature plant.
The Biological Mechanism of Regrowth
Celery’s ability to regrow stems from its primary growth center, known as the apical meristem. This region, often referred to as the central core or growth bud, is a cluster of rapidly dividing cells situated at the very base of the plant. As long as this central meristematic tissue remains intact and receives energy from the environment, the plant can generate new foliage. The remaining base acts as a temporary energy store, giving the plant the initial boost it needs to sprout new leaves. Once new roots develop, the plant can absorb water and nutrients, sustaining the continuous production of new stalks.
How to Regrow Celery from the Base
Regrowing celery from a store-bought base is a straightforward process. Use a sharp knife to slice off the bottom two inches of the celery stalk cluster, keeping the dense, solid base intact. Place this severed base cut-side up in a shallow dish or jar, adding about an inch of warm water so the bottom is submerged. Change the water every day or two to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
Position the dish in a bright location, such as a sunny windowsill, for photosynthesis. Within a few days, small, pale leaves should emerge from the center, and tiny roots will form around the submerged edge. Once the roots are about an inch long and the new leaves are visible, the celery base is ready to be transitioned into soil.
Plant the base in a container or garden bed with rich, moist soil, ensuring the new leaves remain above the soil line. Keep the soil consistently damp, as celery requires significant water. The resulting stalks will likely be thinner, shorter, and less crunchy than commercial stalks, but they will still offer a fresh, edible yield.
Harvesting Stalks for Continuous Growth
For an established celery plant growing in a garden, you can maintain a continuous supply of stalks using a technique called cut-and-come-again harvesting. This method focuses on removing only the mature, outer stalks while deliberately leaving the younger, inner portion of the plant untouched. Use a sharp knife to cut individual outer stalks near the base of the plant. By removing the oldest stalks, the plant redirects its energy to the central core, which continues to produce new growth. This technique ensures the survival of the plant and provides a sustained yield over an entire growing season. Leaving the central growth point intact allows the celery plant to remain productive for a longer period.