Leaf-cutting Celery

Where celery is mostly about the stems, leaf celery, you guessed it, is all about the leaves. Use this hearty herb like you would parsley, but expect a strong celery flavour.

Common name: Leaf celery

Botanical name: Apium graveolens

Scots names:

Gaelic name:

Parts used: Leaves and seeds

HOW TO GROW

WHERE TO GROW IT

It’s quite unfussy, and it grew really well in one of my semi-shaded but very damp herb cutting plots. Lots of fresh compost gave it a great start, and I fed it lightly over the season.

GROW FROM SEED

Growing from seed is easy if you have some patience, as they can take a while to germinate. Start them off early in the season, around March or early April.

HOW TO GATHER

HOW TO HARVEST

I harvest the leaves regularly and as and when I need some. Regular harvesting keeps it producing new, fresh leaves for you.

HOW TO STORE

You can then store them in an airtight container, like a little herb jar, and use them as you need. Make sure they are fully dried out before you store them, and you can do this by leaving them out on a paper towel or the tea towel until dry.

HOW TO USE

FOR YOUR COOKING

Harvest the leaves and use them like you might parsley; add to stews, soups and potato salad. I might sprinkle some young leaves over a fresh green salad.

If I don’t have any stock, then I’d use leaf celery or lovage to help make a rich base for soups and other sauces.

Caution: Information about the medicinal uses of herbs is part of their story. I am not a doctor or a medicinal herbalist, so consult a medical professional, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have any medical conditions, before using herbs as medicine.