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Celery

Last updated on September 20, 2024

Celery

Growing Celery

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Varieties

Early

Sonora

Mid

Command.

See your seed dealer for the most recent variety recommendations.

 

Seed and Seed-bed Treatment

Use seed treated with Thiram seed protectant. Hot-water seed treatment is also a safe-guard against early and late blight. To avoid damping-off, follow up with sprays of Thiram 75WP at 1.5 kg/1,000 L water. Apply to seed-bed at 3 to 5 day intervals as required.

 

Soil

Muck soils are ideal because of their high moisture-holding capacity. A pH of 5.2 – 6.5 is required for good production.

 

Seeding

Sow seed into a peat moss mix or sterilized soil 10 to 12 weeks before desired field planting date. Transplant to other flats when seedlings are 2.5 to 5 cm tall, and move to the field when seedlings are 10 to 12 cm tall and temperatures are above 13°C. Modules may also be utilized for producing transplants. Seedlings larger than 12 cm may show more bolting and be later maturing.

For the later crops, sow in open beds about May 1 and transplant to prepared fields in July. If the plants become too tall before field setting, they can be clipped back to a height of 12 to 15 cm, but untrimmed plants are preferred because their growth is less affected.

 

Transplanting

Hand transplanting is the usual practice, although machine transplanting should be considered as this method will ensure more uniform planting depth and plant growth.

Caution

Celery plants will bolt if subjected to temperatures below 13°C for 10 or more days. Therefore, plants for the early crop should not be transplanted until the danger of a prolonged cool period is over.

The application of floating mulches over early planted celery will reduce the risk of bolting. Only the varieties least prone to bolting should be planted at this time.

Florida 683 is not recommended for early plantings.

Growers producing their own plants, especially for early plantings, should keep greenhouse temperatures at 16 to 21°C. The plants can be hardened off by withholding water for the last 7 to 10 days before transplanting, but do not harden off celery plants by lowering temperatures.

Spacing

Four rows spaced 36 cm apart on raised beds with tractor wheels at 1.8 m centres with plants 30 cm apart within the row is the common practice, but three rows spaced 50 cm apart on raised beds with plants 20 cm apart within the row may be more beneficial for disease control. These spacings result in a final population of 77,500 plants/ha (31,000 plants/acre).

 

Fertilizer

A soil test is necessary to determine phosphate and potash requirements. Use the Vegetable Production Guide: Nutrient Management (PDF) for recommendations based on soil test results.

Seed-beds

Broadcast and incorporate 10-30-10 at 700 kg/ha (280 kg/acre) or its equivalent.

Fields

In spring, spread and incorporate manure if available. Allowing for the nitrogen (N) content in the manure, broadcast and incorporate 100 – 150 kg/ha (40 – 60 kg/acre) of nitrogen and all of the required phosphate and potash before transplanting. Three weeks later, side-dress with 30 – 60 kg/ha (12 – 24 kg/acre) of nitrogen. Apply another side-dress if needed.

 

Harvesting Hazard

Celery plants contain naturally occurring chemicals called furanocoumarins which can cause severe blisters on the skin of field workers in the presence of sunlight. It is essential that all celery workers, especially those with light skinned complexions, wear protective clothing to avoid skin contact with celery leaves, stems and sap.

 

Celery Weed Management

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Pre-Emergence

Pre-emergence: Herbicide Application Rates

Product

Rate

PHI*

 Comments

Chateau

(flumioxazin)

Group 14
 Coarse textured soils
(<5% organic matter) and muck soils:
140 g/ha
(57 g/acre)

Medium textured soil
(<5% organic matter):
210 g/ha
(85 g/acre)		 N/A
  • Controls redroot pigweed, green pigweed, common ragweed, lamb’s quarter, nightshade and dandelion.
  • Suppression only of listed weeds on muck soils. 
  • Suppression only of green foxtail.
  • Apply with hooded or shielded equipment to row middles prior to transplanting.
  • Do not apply after transplanting.
  • Apply ½ cm of water prior to transplanting if rainfall does not occur between application and transplanting in order to activate Chateau.
  • Control will be reduced if there is mechanical incorporation into soil or if emerged weeds are cultivated.
  • Crop should be grown on raised beds or plastic mulched beds that are 10 cm higher than the treated middle row. Mulched beds must be at least 60 cm wide.
  • The spray must remain between the raised beds with minimal contact with plastic mulch.
  • The spray must contact no more than the bottom 2.5 cm of the raised bed.
  • Do not apply to fine-textured mineral soils.
  • Do not apply more that 210 g/ha (85 g/acre) in a season.

Dual II Magnum

(S - metolachlor)

Group 15
Mineral soils:
1.2 to 1.5 L/ ha
(500 mL to 600 mL/ acre)
 
Muck soils (>20% OM):
1.5 to 1.75 L/ ha
(600 to 708 mL/ acre)
 
Apply in 150 to 200 L/ha (60 to 80 L/acre) of water at 200 to 300 kPa
 62
  • Apply post-directed after transplanting and prior to weed emergence.
  • May be used to treat row-middles as long as the total rate per ha is not exceeded.
  • To avoid crop injury, do not tankmix with another herbicide or use with an adjuvant.
  • For mineral soils, controls nightshade, foxtail and barnyard grass and suppresses redroot pigweed.
  • For muck soils, suppression only of listed weeds.
  • On muck soils, irrigate immediately after appplying with 0.5 inches of water.
  • Use in soils with high organic matter may result in reduced efficacy.
  • Use lower rates on coarse-textured soils and higher rates on fine-textured soils.
  • Make only one application per year.
  • Do not follow with a post-emergent spray of Dual II Magnum later in the season (see Post-emergence section of this table).
  • May damage tranplants that have been weakened by any cause resuting in reduced yield.
  • Rain is required within 10 days of application, or a shallow cultivation.
  • Do not apply to soils with less than 1% organic matter.
  • Do not re-enter for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Post-Emergence

Post-emergence: Herbicide Application Rates
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Poast Ultra

(sethoxydim)

Group 1

Note:  No longer produced

Annual grasses (incl. volunteer cereals):

320 mL/ha (130 mL/ac)

Annual grasses & quackgrass suppression:

470 mL/ha (190 mL/ac)

Quackgrass:

1.1 L/ha (445 mL/ac)

 30
  • For control of annual grasses and quackgrass suppression, add Merge adjuvant using a rate of 0.5 - 1.0 L/ha (0.2 - 0.4 L/ac).
  • For control of quackgrass, add Merge adjuvant using a rate of 1.0 - 2.0 l/ha (0.4 - 0.8 L/ac).
  • Does not control annual bluegrass.
  • Apply in 50 to 100 L/ha (20 to 40 L/acre) of water at 240 kPa pressure.
  • See label for water volume and pressure when weed infestations or crop canopies are dense.
  • Do not make more than one application per season.
  • Apply when annual weeds are in the 1 to 6 leaf stage and when quackgrass is in the 1–3 leaf stage.
  • Observe a 30 day plantback interval for crops not listed.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Prowl H2O

(pendimethalin)

Group 3

Mineral soils:

2.37 L/ha
(0.96 L/acre)

Muck soils:

6.6 L/ha
(2.7 L/acre)

 

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water

 60
  • Registered on transplanted celery.
  • Destroy existing weeds before applying.
  • Do not apply more than one time per season.
  • Uniformly, make a broadcast over the top application 21 days after transplanting and before the weeds have emerged.
  • Rainfall or irrigation within 7 days of application improves control.
  • Do not apply in liquid fertilizers.
  • Do not feed treated crop to livestock.
  • Do not apply more than once in 2 consecutive years.
  • See label for rotational crops and plant back restrictions.

Mineral soils:

  • Controls redroot pigweed.
  • Suppression only of lamb’s-quarters.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 24 hours.

Muck soils:

  • Controls grass and annual weeds including barnyard grass, chickweed, lamb's-quarters and pigweed.
  • A shallow cultivation or rotary hoeing after application may improve performance, particularly if no rainfall or irrigation has occurred.
  • Warning:  the active ingredient in Prowl H2O has the potential to carry over and harm rotational crops following celery in muck soils.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 6 days for handset irrigation activities.

Gesagard 480SC

(prometryne)

Group 5
 3.75 to 4.58 L/ha
(1.5 - 1.85 L/acre)

Apply in 200 to 1000 L/ha (80 to 405 L/acre) of water at 200 to 300 kPa 		54
  • Controls annual broadleaved weeds and annual grasses.
  • Apply 21 days after transplanting (when plants are established) but before weeds are 5 cm high.
  • Make only one application per season.
  • Replant treated areas with only those crops found on the label, if planting in the same season.
  • For best results use on moist soils.
  • Do not enter treated area for 24 hours.

Lorox L

(linuron)

Group 7
 1.9 to 3.5 L/ha
(0.75 to 1.4 L/acre)		 N/A
  • Closed mixing/loading systems are required.
  • Use the lower rate on lighter soils (lower in clay or organic matter) and the higher rate on heavier soils.
  • Apply once to transplants as soon as new growth has started.
  • Do not apply more than 3.5 L/ha (1.4 L/acre) per year.
  • Some temporary discoloration may occur.
  • Controls annual grasses and broadleaf weeds.
  • Will not control atrazine resistant weeds.
  • Do not use on coarse-textured soils low in organic matter.
  • Apply using a closed cab.
  • Limit the amount of product handled per day to 77 kg a.i. per person when mixing, loading and applying.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 7 days for scouting and for 4 days for all other activities.

Aim EC

(carfentrazone-ethyl)
 
Group 14
 37 to 117 mL/ha
(15 to 47 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water 		1
  • Controls annual weeds.
  • Must be applied using hooded sprayers to weeds between the rows of the emerged crop.
  •  Use an adjuvant such as Agral 90 or Agral-Surf at 0.25% v/v (0.25 L/100 L of spray solution) or Merge at 1% v/v (1 L/100 L of spray solution).
  • Precaution:  crop injury will occur when spray drift is allowed to come in contact with green stem tissue or leaves.
  • Apply only once per growing season.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Celery Insect Management

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Aphids

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft, green, sucking insects. They are found clustered on the underside of leaves and on stalks, and in crowns of plants.

Control

Mix one of the chemicals from the Celery Insect Control tables in sufficient water to provide good coverage of the tops and bottoms of the leaves. It is important to spray at 2 to 3 week intervals throughout the season as control can be difficult when plants approach maturity. Spray directly into the crowns, at a pressure not less than 700 kPa.

Chemical Control of Aphids
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Dibrom

(naled)

Group 1B
 1.1 to 1.65 L/ha
(445 to 665 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 to 300 L/ha (40 to 120 L/acre) of water		 4
  • Do not apply when temperature is over 32°C, application in hot weather may cause crop injury.
  • Do not enter treated area for 48 hours.

Lagon 480 E

(dimethoate)

Group 1B

700 mL/ha
(283 mL/acre)

Apply in 200 to 300 L/ha (80 to 120 L/acre) of water.

7
  • Apply when aphids are first detected, at least 3 weeks after transplanting.
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 2 times per season.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply when bees are foraging in the treatment area.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 3 days. 

Assail 70 WP

(acetamiprid)

Group 4
 56 to 86 g/ha
(23 to 35 g/acre)

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water 		7
  • Thorough coverage is important.
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not use more than 5 times per season.
  • Do not apply more than 300g/ha (121g/acre) per season.
  • Do not re-enter treated areas for 12 hours.

Actara 240SC

(thiamethoxam)
 
Group 4
375 mL/ha
(152 mL/acre)
 N/A
  • Will provide residual control.
  • Make an in-furrow application at the seeding or transplant depth or a narrow surface band above the seedline during planting.
  • Use sufficient water volume to ensure uniform application and incorporation into the soil.
  • For a surface application, incorporate to the seeding depth with irrigation within 24 hours after planting.
  • Do not follow with any subsequent foliar applications of a group 4 insecticide.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Actara 25 WG

(thiamethoxam)

Group 4
 105 g/ha
(42 g/acre)

Apply in 100L/ha (40 L/acre) of water		 7
  • Do not apply following an in-furrow or soil application of Actara 240 SC.
  • Apply to the foliage.
  • Maximum of 2 foliar applications per season.
  • Repeat using a 7 day application interval.
  • Highly toxic to bees.  Do not apply or allow to drift onto blooming crops or weeds if bees are foraging in or adjacent to the treatment area.
  • If a cover crop is planted after potatoes are harvested, do not feed to livestock or harvest for food or feed.
  • Check label for PBI precautions.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Closer SC

(sulfoxaflor)
 
Group 4C
100 to 150 mL/ha
(40 to 60 mL/acre)
 
Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water
 3
  • Do not use in greenhouses.
  • Do not make more than 2 applications per growing season.
  • Repeat at a 7 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 300 mL/ha (120 mL/acre) per growing season.
  • Do not apply during crop flowering period or when flowering weeds are present in treatment area.
  •  Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not on this label. 
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Sivanto Prime

(flupyradifurone)
Group 4D

500 to 750 mL/ha
(200 to 300 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water		 1
  • Do not use in greenhouses. 
  • Repeat at a 7 day interval.
  • Do not exceed a total of 2000 mL/ha (810 mL/acre) of product per season.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply if flowering weeds are present and bees are visiting the treatment area.
  • Do not enter treated areas for 12 hours.

Versys

(afidopyropen)

Group 9D

100 mL/ha

(40 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water		 0
  • Apply as a groundspray.
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than 4 times per year.
  • Ensure thorough coverage.
  • Do not apply more than 1.25 L/ha (506 mL/acre) per year.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not listed.
  • Do not re-enter for 12 hours.

Malathion 85E

(malathion)
 
Group 18
1100 mL/ha
(445 mL/acre)
 
Apply in 1000 L/ha (405 L/acre) of water 
 7
  • Do not make more than 1 application per year.
  • Best control is obtained when temperature is above 20° C.
  • Do not apply after expiry date on the container label.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 24 hours.

Movento

(spirotetramat)

Group 23
 220 to 365 mL/ha
(90 to 150 mL/acre)

Apply in 300 L/ha (120 L/acre) of water 		3
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals as needed.
  • Maximum allowed per crop season: 730 mL/ha (295 mL/acre).
  • Use with one of the following adjuvants: non-ionic (eg. Agral 90 or Ag-Surf) or methylated seed oil (eg. Hasten).
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Exirel

(cyantraniliprole)
 
Group 28

500 to 1500 mL/ha
(200 to 605 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

1
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per growing season.
  • Repeat at 5 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4.5 L/ha (1.8 L/acre) per season.
  • Use with an adjuvant such as Hasten NT at a rate of 0.25% v/v or MSO Concentrate with Leci-Tech at a rate of 0.5% v/v.
  • Toxic to bees and certain beneficial insects.  Apply early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are not active.
  • Note:  Do not tank-mix or apply in sequence with strobilurin-, copper- or captan-containing fungicides.
  •  Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for legume vegetables, cereals, grass, crop group 1A (inlcuding beets, carrots, radish, parsnip, turnip) and crop group 2 (inlcuding beet greens and turnip greens). 
  • Observe a plantback interval of 1 year for crops not listed.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Beleaf 50 SG

(flonicamid)

Group 29
 120 to 160 g/ha
(50 to 65 g/acre)

Apply in 94 L/ha (38 L/acre) of water		 0
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per year.
  • Do not apply more than 600 g/ha (240 g/acre) of product per season.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.
  • Also suppresses lygus bug.  Check label for rate.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Leafminer

Consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pest Management (PDF, 1.2 MB).

Chemical Control of Pea Leafminer
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Actara 240SC

(thiamethoxam)

Group 4

375 mL/ha

(152 mL/acre)		 N/A
  • Will provide residual control.
  • Make an in-furrow application at the seeding or transplant depth or a narrow surface band above the seedline during planting.
  • Use sufficient water volume to ensure uniform application and incorporation into the soil.
  • For a surface application, incorporate to the seeding depth with irrigation within 24 hours after planting.
  • Do not follow with any subsequent foliar applications of a group 4 insecticide.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Assail 70 WP

(acetamiprid)

Group 4		 86 g/ha
(35 g/acre)

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water		 7
  • Thorough coverage is important.
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not use more than 5 times per season.
  • Do not apply more than 300 g/ha (121 g/acre) per season.
  • Do not re-enter treated areas for 12 hours.

Agri-Mek 1.9% EC

(abamectin)
 
Group 6

600 mL to 1.1 L/ha
(243 to 445 mL/acre)

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water

 14
  • Use Agri-Mek SC with a non-ionic surfactant at the rate of 0.1 to 0.5% v/v of spray mixture. 
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4 times per season.
  • Do not apply to transplants.
  • Highly toxic to bees. Avoid spraying when bees are foraging.
  • Check labels for re-entry intervals.

Agri-Mek SC

(abamectin)
 
Group 6

135 to 250 mL/ha
(55 to 101 mL/acre)

Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water

 14
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4 times per season.
  • Do not apply to transplants.
  • Use Agri-Mek SC with a non-ionic surfactant at the rate of 0.1 to 0.5% v/v of spray mixture. 
  • Highly toxic to bees. Avoid spraying when bees are foraging.
  • Check labels for re-entry intervals.

Rimon 10 EC

(novaluron)

Group 15

 464 to 603 mL/ha
(188 to 244 mL/ acre)

Apply in 200 to 400 L/ ha (80 to 160 L/acre) of water		 2
  • Apply when pea leafminer or damage first appear.
  • Repeat using 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Do not make more than 3 applications per season.
  • May be toxic to bees.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Coragen

(chlorantraniliprole)

Group 28
 250 to 375 mL/ha
(100 to 150 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water. 		1
  • Do not apply for a minimum of 60 days following an in-furrow or soil application or planting of seed pieces treated with any Group 28 insecticide.
  • Repeat at 3 day intervals as needed.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per season.
  • Do not make more than 2 successive applications per generation of loopers.  The following application must be with an effective non-Group 28 insecticide.
  • Do not apply more than 1 L/ha (400 mL/ac) per season.
  • For control of black cutworm, use the lower rate and apply to smaller plants or when lower portions of the plant can receive adequate coverage.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Exirel

(cyantraniliprole)
 
Group 28

1000 to 1500 mL/ha
(405 to 605 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

1
  • Controls larvae.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per growing season.
  • Repeat at 5 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4.5 L/ha (1.8 L/acre) per season.
  • Use with an adjuvant such as Hasten NT at a rate of 0.25% v/v or MSO Concentrate with Leci-Tech at a rate of 0.5% v/v.
  • Toxic to bees and certain beneficial insects.  Apply early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are not active.
  • See aphid control comments (this table) for tank-mix precautions and plantback intervals.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Loopers, Cutworms and Other Caterpillars

Loopers, cutworms and other caterpillars are the larval stages of moths and butterflies. Loopers are usually green with thin, white stripes along the body. When they move they produce a “hump” in the middle of their body. Cutworms and other caterpillars may be variously coloured, some being green, some gray, and some brown. They vary in size from newly hatched 3 mm long ones to some that can be up to 5 cm long when fully grown. There are 2 or more generations each season.

Control

When Dibrom or Malathion are used for aphid control, loopers are also controlled. Consult the Celery Disease Management tables for more information.

Chemical Control of Caterpillars
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Sevin XLR

(carbaryl)

Group 1A
 2.5 to 5.25 L/ha
(1.0 to 2.1 L/acre)		 5
  • Maximum of 2 applications per year.
  • Repeat at a 7 day interval.
  • Use lower rates on young plants.
  • Apply when insects and damage appear.
  • Toxic to bees. Avoid applying when crop is in bloom.  If it is necessary to apply during crop bloom, make applications during the evening to avoid foraging bees.
  • Do not enter treated area for hand-harvesting, hand-pruning or irrigation for 5 days.  Do not re-enter for hand-weeding or thinning for 12 hours.  

Delegate WG

(spinetoram)

Group 5
 140 to 200 g/ha
(60 to 80 g/acre)		 1
  • Controls cabbage looper only.
  • For optimal performance, final solution pH should be in the range of 6 to 8.
  • Apply at egg hatch or to small larvae.
  • Maximum of 3 applications per year.
  • Toxic to bees. Avoid spraying when bees are foraging.

Success

(spinosad)

Group 5
 182 mL/ha
(74 mL/acre)		 1
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Maximum of 3 applications per year.
  • Highly toxic to bees.  Do not apply if bees are visiting the area.  
  • Harmful to parasitoids and predatory mites.  Slightly harmful to foliage-dwelling predators.
  • Do not re-enter treated areas until residues have dried.

Entrust 80

(spinosad)
 
Group 5
 
Used in organics
 109 g/ha
(44 g/acre)		 1
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per year.
  • Highly toxic to bees.  Do not apply if bees are visiting the area.  
  • Harmful to parasitoids and predatory mites.  Slightly harmful to foliage-dwelling predators.
  • Entrust products are OMRI-USA listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not re-enter treated areas until residues have dried.

Entrust SC

(spinosad)
 
Group 5
 
Used in organics
 364 mL/ha
(147 mL/acre)		 1
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per year.
  • Highly toxic to bees.  Do not apply if bees are visiting the area.  
  • Harmful to parasitoids and predatory mites.  Slightly harmful to foliage-dwelling predators.
  • Entrust SC (PCP# 30382) is OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not re-enter treated areas until residues have dried.

Scorpio Ant and Insect Bait

(spinosad)

Group 5

 25 to 50 kg/ha
(10.1 to 20.2 kg/acre)		 1
  • Controls black cutworm only.
  • Apply using a spreader suitable for granulars or by hand.
  • Scatter the bait on the soil around seedlings.
  • Do not place in piles
  • Repeat after heavy rain or irrigation.
  • Repeat as the bait is consumed or after 4 weeks.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per season.
  • Works better when soil is moist but with little or no standing water.
  • Toxic to bees and certain beneficials.

XenTari WG

(Bacillus thuringiensis, subsp. aizawai)
 
Group 11
 
Used in organics
500 to 1000 g/ha
(200 to 400 g/acre)
 
Apply in 500 to 1000 L/ha
(200 to 400 L/acre) of water.
 0
  • Controls loopers only.
  •  Treat larvae at the early instar stage.
  • Repeat at 5 to 7 day intervals.
  • Use enough water to ensure full coverage but not to the point of run off.
  • Larvae must be actively feeding on treated, exposed plant surfaces.
  • Apply in the evening or on a cloudy day.
  • Do not allow spray mixture to stand in the tank for more than 12 hours.
  • Xen Tari products are OMRI-USA listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.

Bioprotec CAF

(Bacillus thuringiensis)

Group 11
 1.4 to 2.8 L/ha
(0.6 L to 1.1 L/acre)

Apply in 300 L/ha (120 L/acre) of water		 0
  • Most effective when pests are young.
  • Must be eaten by caterpillars.
  • Use sufficient spray volume to ensure uniform coverage on all plant surfaces.

Intrepid

(methoxyfenozide)

Group 18
 300 to 600 mL/ha
(120 to 240 mL/acre)

Apply in 300 L/ha (120 L/acre) of water		 1
  • Controls cabbage loopers only.
  • Apply at first sign of feeding damage.
  • Repeat at 7 to 14 day intervals.
  • Do not re-enter for 12 hours.

Coragen

(chlorantraniliprole)

Group 28
 250 mL/ha
(100 mL/acre)

Apply in 100L/ha (40 L/acre) of water 		1
  • Controls of cabbage looper and cutworm only.
  • Do not apply for a minimum of 60 days following an in-furrow or soil application or planting of seed pieces treated with any Group 28 insecticide.
  • Repeat at 3 day intervals.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per season.
  • Do not make more than 2 successive applications per generation of loopers.  The following application must be with an effective non-Group 28 insecticide.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Exirel

(cyantraniliprole)
 
Group 28

250 to 500 mL/ha
(100 to 200 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

1
  • Registered for control of cabbage looper.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per growing season.
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 4.5 L/ha (1.8 L/acre) per season.
  • Toxic to bees and certain beneficial insects.  Apply early in the morning or late in the evening when bees are not active.
  • See aphid control comments (this table) for tank-mix precautions and plantback intervals.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.
  • Also controls cutworms.  See label for rate and directions.

Cimegra

(broflanilide)

Group 30

125 mL/ha
(50 mL/acre)

Use sufficient water to ensure thorough coverage		 1
  • Do not use in the greenhouse.
  • Apply as a foliar spray.
  • Use adequate water volume to ensure thorough coverage of foliage.
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 2 foliar applications per year.
  • Repeat using a 7 day application interval.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply during crop blooming period.
  • A vegetative filter strip is required between the field edge and adjacent, downhill aquatic habitats.  Check label for details.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not listed on label.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

OMRI-USA = Organic Materials Review Institute of USA

OMRI-Canada = Organic Materials Review Institute of Canada

 

Slugs

These slow-moving, soft-bodied, slimy, legless creatures are found in various sizes up to 10 cm. They eat holes in leaves and leave a trail of mucus which makes the plants unsightly.

Control

Apply commercial bait such as Deadline M-PS (4% metaldehyde) at 25 kg/ha (10 kg/acre) or apply ferric phosphate (0.76%) (Sluggo) at 25 to 50 kg/ha (10 to 20 kg/acre). Treatments should be made in the evening to the soil between the rows and the headlands. Avoid direct application to plants.

 

Celery Disease Management

Expand All | Collapse All
 

Bacterial Leaf Spot (Blight)

(Pseudomonas)

Small, yellow spots about 1 mm in diameter appear on leaves. Spots become brown in the centre with a yellow halo. They are generally round and do not exceed a diameter of 4 mm. Infection is favoured by warm temperatures (optimal about 20oC) and humid conditions.

Control

  • Use healthy transplants to avoid introducing the disease.
  • Copper oxychloride or copper sulphate applied at the lowest rate for early and late blight control during mild, humid weather should help reduce disease spread until the weather becomes drier. Apply during fast drying conditions to reduce possible plant injury. Seedlings being held outdoors during wet weather prior to transplanting should be sprayed when conditions permit. This will help to prevent spread in the seedling trays and is much cheaper than spraying the entire field after transplanting.
  • Keep irrigation to a minimum, and apply early in the morning so the leaves can dry during the day.
  • Work in fields when they are dry, and work in uninfected fields first.
  • Plow under all crop refuse immediately after harvest as the bacterium may overwinter in it.
 

Black Heart

Black heart is a physiological disorder in which the young, inner leaves turn black. Under wet conditions, soft rot bacteria may cause the damaged tissue to become slimy. The disorder is most common in celery crops growing in soils with high moisture and salt content and under cloudy, but warm conditions.

Control

  • Prevent salt buildup by improving drainage and avoiding high salt index fertilizers. Of the commonly used fertilizer ingredients, urea (46-0-0) is the least salty source of nitrogen while potassium sulphate (0-0-50) is a less salty source of potash than potassium chloride (0-0-60). Phosphates are all relatively low in salts.
  • Maintain uniform soil moisture. In particular, avoid-over irrigation during warm weather in fields which have been allowed to dry out.
  • Apply calcium nitrate or calcium chloride sprays if the disorder is expected. Use calcium nitrate at 10 kg/1000 L water/ha (4 kg/400 L water/acre) or calcium chloride at 5 kg/1000 L water/ha (2 kg/400 L water/acre) on a weekly basis until the danger period has passed.
 

Fusarium Yellows

(Fusarium oxysporum)

This is a serious soil-borne disease of celery which is now widely distributed in the Cloverdale area. Affected crops show uneven growth with patches of stunted and yellowed plants. Severely affected crops are not marketable. Infected plants exhibit brown roots, discoloured crowns, and yellow, curled leaves.

Control

  • Avoid introducing this disease to your farm by preventing the movement of soil or plants from infested areas.
  • Purchase transplants only from nurseries or greenhouses which are not close to field-grown celery as contamination of the young seedlings can occur readily.
  • Rotate for a minimum of 3 years with non-host crops (i.e. onions, lettuce)
  • If it is necessary to grow celery in soil known to contain Fusariam yellows, use tolerant varieties.
 

Early and Late Blight

Late blight of celery has been common in the coastal area for many years. It causes small yellow spots up to 3 mm in diameter which later become dark gray. Tiny black fruiting bodies of the fungus (Septoria) are just visible in the spots. The spots first appear on the leaves and then spread down the petioles. They may appear at any time from early spring in the greenhouse to late fall in the field.

Early blight caused by the fungus Cercospora, has been found in the Cloverdale area. Early blight lesions are larger, up to 1 cm in diameter and are lighter in colour. Cercospora spores can blow long distances in the wind, whereas Septoria spores are sticky and are only splashed short distances by rain and irrigation.

Control

  • Both diseases are carried on seed and in crop refuse, therefore seed disinfection is one of the key control measures. This can be accomplished by hot-water treatment of the seed, storage of the seed for 3 years prior to use, or seed treatment with an effective fungicide.
  • Practice good sanitation in and around the greenhouse where seedlings are started.
  • Examine young seedlings carefully and remove any that appear to be infected.
  • Fields which have had a serious blight outbreak should not be planted to celery for at least one year.
  • In most years, a regular spray program commencing about July 1, is required. The sprays should be applied every 7 – 10 days unless there is a prolonged period of dry weather. See table below.

Chemical Control of Early and Late Blight
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Copper 53W

(copper sulphate)

Group M
 3.8 kg/ha
(1.5 kg/acre)		 2
  • Apply when plants are 10 to 12 cm high, and vary rates according to leaf development.
  • Repeat at 5 day intervals.
  • Maximum of 5 applications per year.
  • Do not enter treated area for 48 hours.

Copper oxychloride 50

(copper oxychloride)

Group M2

4.0 kg/ha
(1.6 kg/acre)

Apply in 1000 L/ha (405 L/acre) of water

 2
  • Start applications when plants are 5 cm tall.
  • Repeat at 5 day intervals.
  • Do not make more than 5 applications per year.
  • Do not enter treated area for 48 hours.

Thiram 75WP

(thiram)
 
Group M
 1.5 kg of product in 1000 L of water 7
  • For use in plant beds.
  • Also controls Rhizoctonia.
  • Apply 70 to 105 litres per 100 m2 at 3 day intervals.

Bravo 720

(chlorothalonil)

Group M5

Celery, field:  EARLY BLIGHT -   1.1 to 1.7 L/ha (0.4 to 0.7 L/acre)

Celery, field:  LATE BLIGHT -   1.7 to 2.8 L/ha
(0.7 to 1.1 L/acre)

 

Celery seedbeds:  EARLY BLIGHT -  1.1 to 1.7 L of product per 1000 L/ha of water

Celery seedbeds:  LATE BLIGHT -  1.7 to 1.9 L of product per 1000 L/ha of water

 7
  • A closed transfer system must be used when mixing and loading.
  • Check the label for PPE requirements while mixing and handling.
  • A vegetative buffer strip is required between the field edge and adjacent, downhill aquatic habitats.  Check label for details. 
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Field celery:

  • Start applications when transplants are set in the field.
  • Check labels for application interval.

Celery, seedbeds:

  • Make application shortly after crop emergence.
  • Do not apply more than once per year.

Bravo ZN

(chlorothalonil)

Group M5

 

Celery, field:  EARLY BLIGHT -   1.6 to 2.4 L/ha (0.6 to 1.0 L/acre)

Celery, field:  LATE BLIGHT -   2.4 to 4.0 L/ha
(0.6 to 1.6 L/acre)

 

Celery seedbeds:  2.0 to 2.4 L of product per 1000 L/ha of water

 7
  • A closed transfer system must be used when mixing and loading Bravo ZN.
  • When using Bravo ZNC, mixers and loaders cannot handle more than 680 L of product per day.
  • For PPE requirements while mixing and handling Bravo products, check the labels.  

Field celery:

  • Start applications when transplants are set in the field.
  • Check labels for application interval.
  • Do not apply more than 2 times per year.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Celery, seedbeds:

  • Make application shortly after crop emergence.
  • Do not apply more than once per year.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Bravo ZNC

(chlorothalonil)

Group M5

Echo 720

(chlorothalonil)

Group M5

Celery, field:  1.1 to 2.8 L/ha
(450 to 1100 mL/acre)

Celery, seedbeds (greenhouse):  1.4 to 1,9 kg of product

 7
  • If handling more than 340 kg a.i. in one day, mixers and loaders must use a closed system. ​

Field celery:

  • Start applications when transplants are set in the field.
  • See label as rates vary with spray schedule.
  • Do not apply more than 2 times per year.
  • Do not apply within 10 days before or after an oil application.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Celery, seedbeds (greenhouse):

  • Start application shortly after crop emergence.
  • Apply product per 1000 L of water and apply 1400 L/ha (567 L/ac).
  • Do not apply more than once per year.
  • Do not apply within 10 days before or after an oil application.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Cueva

(copper octanoate)
 
Group M1
 
Used in organics
 Use a 0.5% to 2% solution at 470 to 940 L/ha (190 to 380 L/acre) 1
  • For a 0.5% solution, mix 1 part Cueva to 200 parts water.
  • For a 2% solution, mix 1 part Cueva to 50 parts water.
  • Repeat at 7 to 10 day intervals.
  • Repeat at 5 to 7 day intervals following heavy rain or when disease pressure is high.
  • Do not make more than 15 applications per year.
  • Time applications so that 12 hours of dry weather follow application.
  • Cueva products (PCP# 31825) are OMRI-Canada listed.  Check with your certification body before using in an organic operation.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 4 hours.

Fontelis

(penthiopyrad)

Group 7
 1.0 to 1.75 L/ha
(400 to 710 mL/acre)

Apply in 110 L/ha (45 L/acre) of water		 3
  • Controls Septoria late blight only.
  • Repeat at 7 to 14 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 5.25 L/ha (2.2 L/acre) per season.
  • Do not re-enter for 12 hours.

Pristine WG

(boscalid and pyraclostrobin)

Group 7 & 11
 1.0 kg/ha
(400 g/acre)		 0
  • Suppression only.
  • Repeat at 7 to 14 day interval.
  • Apply only once for suppression of early blight.
  • Maximum of 2 applications per season for suppression of late blight.
  • For hand harvesting and thinning do not enter treated area for 9 days.
  • For all other activities do not enter treated area for 24 hours.

Flint

(trifloxystrobin)
 
Group 11

190 to 210 g/ha (77 to 85 g/acre)

Apply in 280 L/ha (115 L/acre) of water at 241.5 kPa

7
  • Controls Cercospora early blight and Septoria late blight.
  • Use high rate for Septoria late blight.
  • Repeat at 7 to 14 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 840 g/ha (340 g/acre) of product per season.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per season.
  • Observe a plantback interval of 30 days for crops not listed.

Quadris F

(azoxystrobin)
 
Group 11
 0.672 to 1.12 L/ha
(272 to 450 mL/acre)		 1
  • Controls early blight only.
  • Repeat using a 7 to 12 day application interval.
  • Do not make more than 3 applications per season.
  • Do not apply more than 3.36 L/ha (1.36 L/acre) per season.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

OMRI-Canada = Organic Materials Review Institute of Canada

 

Magnesium Deficiency

Celery plants suffering from magnesium deficiency are yellow and stunted, resembling plants infected with Fusarium yellows.

Control

  • Test soils on a regular basis to ensure that magnesium levels are adequate.
  • To correct an apparent deficiency, apply magnesium sulphate as a foliar spray at 10 kg /1000 L water/ha (4 kg/400 L water/acre).
 

Damping Off

Chemical Control of Damping Off
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Thiram 75WP

(thiram)

Group M

 1.5 kg of product in 1000 L of water 7
  • For use in plant beds.
  • Also controls Rhizoctonia.
  • Apply 70 to 105 litres per 100 m2 at 3 day intervals..

Phostrol

(mono- and dibasic sodium, potassium, and ammonium phosphites)
 
Group 33
 3.2 L/1000 L of water N/A
  • Registered on greenhouse transplants.
  • Apply as a soil drench to thorougly wet the growing medium.
  • Make the first application after seeding.
  • Repeat using a 7 to 14 day application interval.
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per season.
  • Do no re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).