History
Utah 52-70 is one of the most iconic and widely grown heirloom celery varieties in American gardening history. Developed through careful selection in the mid-20th century, Utah 52-70 was bred to improve upon earlier Utah strains — delivering taller, straighter stalks, improved disease resistance, and a longer harvest window. The "52-70" designation refers to its maturity range, reflecting the variety's adaptability across different growing climates and seasons. For decades it was the standard by which all other celery varieties were measured, prized by home gardeners and market growers alike for its reliability, bold flavor, and impressive stalk height. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, Utah 52-70 remains a cornerstone heirloom that delivers season after season.
Plant Profile
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Days to Maturity: 52–70 days (from transplant)
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Plant Size: Tall, upright plants 18–24 inches tall — one of the tallest celery varieties available
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Stalk Color: Deep green, thick, and prominently ribbed with a crisp, snapping texture
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Plant Type: Open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom
Flavor Profile
Utah 52-70 delivers the bold, classic celery flavor that most people grew up with — robust, aromatic, and deeply savory with a satisfying crunch. The stalks are thick and juicy with a pronounced celery aroma that fills the kitchen the moment you cut into them. Raw, they're crisp and refreshing; cooked, they mellow into a rich, aromatic base that elevates soups, stews, and braises. This is the celery that tastes like celery is supposed to taste.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Utah 52-70 is a vigorous, upright grower that produces tall, well-filled stalks over a 52–70 day period from transplant. Its wide maturity window makes it adaptable to both spring and fall growing seasons. Harvest outer stalks continuously as the plant develops, or cut the entire plant at the base for a full harvest. Expect impressive, tall plants with generous yields of thick, flavorful stalks that store well in the refrigerator.
Disease Resistance
- Good resistance to fusarium yellows — a key improvement over earlier Utah strains
- Tolerant of moderate temperature fluctuations during the growing season
- Performs best with consistent moisture — drought stress leads to hollow, bitter stalks
- Tip: Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal disease pressure on foliage
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
- Spacing: 6–8 inches between plants, rows 18–24 inches apart
- Sow depth: Surface sow or barely cover — celery seed needs light to germinate
- Germination: 14–21 days at soil temps of 60–70°F — slow and requires consistent moisture
- Full sun preferred — at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Prefers rich, moisture-retentive soil — celery is a heavy feeder and heavy drinker
- Fertilize every 2–3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season
- Blanch stalks by hilling soil around the base or wrapping with paper for milder flavor if desired
When to Plant
Start Utah 52-70 indoors 10–12 weeks before your last frost date. Celery requires a long growing season and does not direct sow well outdoors. Transplant seedlings outdoors after frost danger has passed and nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50°F. For a fall crop, start indoors in midsummer and transplant 10–12 weeks before your first fall frost. Find your frost dates and hardiness zone at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
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Tomatoes — celery repels tomato hornworm and whiteflies; tomatoes provide light shade during warm spells
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Leeks & Onions — alliums deter aphids and carrot fly that commonly affect celery
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Beans — fix nitrogen in the soil, supporting celery's heavy nutrient demands
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Nasturtiums — act as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from celery
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Avoid planting near: parsnips and carrots — share pests and diseases that spread easily between them
How to Enjoy
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Fresh Snacking: Classic pairing with peanut butter, hummus, or ranch — thick stalks hold up beautifully
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Soups & Stews: The backbone of mirepoix — essential for stocks, soups, and braises
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Juicing: Bold celery flavor makes Utah 52-70 a powerhouse in green juices and wellness shots
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Salads: Chop into Waldorf salads, tuna salad, or chicken salad for crunch and flavor
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Stir-Fries: Thick stalks hold their texture beautifully in high-heat cooking
Why Gardeners Love Utah 52-70 Celery
- The gold standard heirloom celery — tall, bold, and reliably productive
- Wide 52–70 day maturity window adapts to spring and fall growing seasons
- Improved fusarium resistance over earlier Utah strains
- Thick, juicy stalks with the bold celery flavor home cooks love
- Open-pollinated and non-GMO — save your own seeds year after year
- A proven performer in raised beds, garden rows, and containers
Harvest Tips
- Begin harvesting outer stalks when plants reach 12–15 inches tall for a continuous cut-and-come-again harvest
- For full plant harvest, cut at the base when stalks are thick, firm, and well-developed — typically 52–70 days from transplant
- Harvest in the morning when stalks are crisp and moisture content is highest
- Store harvested stalks wrapped in a damp cloth or sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- The leafy tops are fully edible — use as an herb in soups, stocks, and salads
Order Today
Add Utah 52-70 Celery Seeds to your garden this season and grow the classic heirloom celery that home gardeners have relied on for generations. Choose your pack size and begin to grow.
