Advice re celery

[Green Aura]

Last year, for the first time we planted celery - small plants we got from the village plant swap.

They didn't do much and because they were a red stemmed variety we didn't know if we should blanch them - so we didn't.

Anyway, as said, they didn't amount to much and were quite bitter so we left them.

On clearing the bed we've discovered two very healthy looking celery plants, with loads of new- looking, albeit spindly growth. We've left them in situ and added a bag of compost to the bed so they've been earthed up.

Does anyone know if they'll be usable? Or are we wasting valuable growing space on a dead loss.

Any advice welcome.

[marshlander]

Only grow on if you want seed...

From MSN Encarta;-
If allowed to grow a second year, celery sends up flower stems about 61 to 91 cm (24 to 36 in) tall with small white flowers in umbels. The dried fruit of celery is used as a condiment alone under the name of celery seed, or ground and mixed with salt under the name of celery salt. Celery seed is also used in pharmacy as a sedative or to disguise the taste of other drugs.

[Millymollymandy]

I didn't know any of that as I've never grown celery but often thought about it. Having just bought some celery seed (for culinary use) when I was in England I think I will have a go at growing the stuff next year! It can't be any worse than the rubbish they sell here in France - pappy hollow fluffy stems.....grrrrrrrrr.

[Green Aura]

Thanks for that.

I think I'll take out the one that's taking up most space and leave the other to go to seed.

I adore cheese and celery seed scones - just never thought of growing my own seeds!