Tall Utah 52-70 Celery – Heirloom Seeds

Tall Utah 52-70 Celery – Taller, Sweeter, and More Productive Than Original Utah

Introduced by Ferry-Morse Seed Company in 1953, Utah 52-70 is an improved heirloom celery that grows taller, with longer ribs, deeper green color, and sweeter flavor than the original Utah variety. Recommended by Utah State University and ag extension offices in FL, NY, OR, and TX, this is a proven performer for short seasons and limited-space gardens alike.

Utah 52-70 produces classic light green, crisp stalks with edible stems reaching 9–11" and full plant heights of 12–24". Disease resistant to Brown Check, Western Celery Mosaic, and Fusarium Race II. No blanching required. Non-GMO, open-pollinated, heirloom.

Growth Habits

• Days to Maturity: 100–110 days
• Days to Germination: 14–21 days
• Plant Height: 12–24"
• Stalk Length: 9–11"
• Growth Habit: Leafy upright stalk
• Color: Classic light green
• Flavor: Sweet, crunchy, and crisp with classic celery flavor
• Disease Resistance: Brown Check, Western Celery Mosaic, Fusarium Race II
• No blanching required

Starting & Growing Tips

• Start indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost or 8–10 weeks before first autumn frost
• Press 2–3 seeds per cell without covering — seeds require light to germinate
• Use organic, moist, well-drained potting mix with a pH of 6–7
• Germination takes 14–21 days; keep soil surface evenly moist
• Transplant best starts 9–12" apart once true leaves establish
• Can also be direct sown outdoors 10–12 weeks before last average frost
• Water consistently — shallow roots require steady moisture; drought causes bitter, fibrous stalks
• Apply a cooling layer of mulch to prevent bolting
• Benefits from additional compost throughout the season
• Avoid daytime temps below 55°F after transplant to prevent premature bolting

Harvesting

Utah 52-70 can be harvested whole or as a cut-and-come-again variety. Harvest outer stalks when at least 6–8" tall by cutting from the base, allowing inner stalks to continue producing. Darker green stalks yield more nutrition but have a coarser texture. Harvested stalks can be refrigerated and used within a couple of weeks.

Culinary Uses

Utah 52-70 is excellent in soups, salads, stuffing, and stir-fries. The leaves add rich flavor to stocks and broths. Enjoy stalks fresh with peanut butter or veggie dip. A versatile, productive crop certain to find its way back into the garden year after year.

Health Benefits

• High in water and fiber — supports healthy digestion
• Low in calories, rich in antioxidants including beta carotene and flavonoids
• Natural anti-inflammatory properties

Planting Information

• Seeding Depth: Press without covering (light required)
• Plant Spacing: 9–12" (1–2 plants per sq ft)
• Row Spacing: 12–24"
• Soil Preference: Moist, fertile, composted, well-drained; pH 6–7
• Temperature Preference: 55–70°F
• Light Preference: Full sun
• Pests/Diseases: Watch for aphids, slugs, and worms; susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils

Seed Details

• Latin Name: Apium graveolens var. dulce
• Hardiness Zone: Annual 2–10 / Biennial 6–10
• Introduced: 1953, Ferry-Morse Seed Company
• Seed Origin: USA
• Non-GMO | Open-Pollinated | Heirloom