Native to coastal regions of Australia and New Zealand, Apium annuum is commonly known as Sea Celery. This useful native edible plant has long been valued as a bush tucker species and is becoming increasingly popular in home gardens and among chefs looking for unique Australian flavours.
Sea Celery has a strong aromatic flavour that is often described as a saltier, more intense version of traditional celery. The foliage resembles celery and releases a familiar celery-like scent when crushed. Closely related to parsley and celery, both the leaves and stems can be used in cooking.
Its natural tolerance to coastal conditions makes it an excellent choice for seaside gardens, native food gardens and productive vegetable patches.
What is Sea Celery?
Sea Celery is a low-growing perennial herb found naturally along coastlines, estuaries and salt-influenced environments. It thrives in conditions where many other edible plants struggle and is particularly well adapted to Australia’s coastal climate.
As a bush tucker plant, it is valued for its edible foliage and stems, which can be used fresh or cooked in a range of dishes.
Uses of Sea Celery
The leaves and stems are edible and can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Sea Celery is commonly used:
- Fresh in salads.
- As a garnish.
- In soups and stews.
- With seafood dishes.
- In stocks and broths.
- As a substitute for conventional celery.
- To add a natural salty flavour to recipes.
Because the flavour is stronger than ordinary celery, a little often goes a long way.
How to Grow Sea Celery
Sea Celery is an adaptable and easy-care plant that performs well in a range of climates. In nature it is found throughout coastal regions of Australia and New Zealand.
Position
Grow Sea Celery in full sun to part shade. In warmer regions, some protection from hot afternoon sun will help maintain lush growth and prevent the foliage from becoming stressed.
Soil
A well-drained soil is essential. Although it naturally occurs in coastal environments, it performs best in soils enriched with organic matter.
Sea Celery will tolerate poorer soils, however growth is generally stronger when compost or well-rotted organic material is incorporated before planting.
Water Requirements
Provide regular watering while plants establish. Once established, Sea Celery is reasonably tolerant of short dry periods, although consistent moisture encourages better leaf production.
Growing in Containers
Sea Celery adapts well to container culture and can be grown successfully in pots, raised beds and herb gardens. Choose a quality potting mix and ensure containers have good drainage.
Fertiliser
Apply compost or a light application of organic fertiliser during the growing season to encourage healthy leafy growth.
Harvesting Sea Celery
Harvest stems and leaves as required throughout the year. Regular picking encourages fresh growth and helps keep plants compact and productive.
For the best flavour, harvest young stems and fresh foliage.
Propagation
Sea Celery produces clusters, or umbels, of small white flowers followed by seed.
Seeds can be collected once mature and sown in spring. Under suitable conditions germination generally occurs within three to four weeks, although temperatures and moisture levels can influence germination times.
Propagation from seed is the most common method and is relatively straightforward.
Sea Celery and Sea Parsley
A closely related species is Apium prostratum var. prostratum, commonly known as Sea Parsley.
Both species are native edible plants that thrive in coastal conditions and have similar culinary uses. Sea Parsley tends to have a lower-growing habit and a flavour more reminiscent of parsley, while Sea Celery has a stronger celery-like taste.
Both make excellent additions to a native food garden and can be grown under similar conditions.
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Apium annuum |
| Common Name | Sea Celery |
| Plant Type | Native edible herb |
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil | Well drained, enriched with organic matter |
| Water | Moderate |
| Height | 20–40cm |
| Spread | 30–60cm |
| Uses | Bush tucker, edible herb, garnish |
| Propagation | Seed |
Sea Celery is one of Australia’s most useful native edible plants. Easy to grow, productive and naturally adapted to coastal conditions, it deserves a place in both bush food gardens and productive kitchen gardens.
Where To Buy
Specialist Native Food Nursery with thirty species available in both forestry tubes and 14 cm pots, from ground cover to canopy. Twenty years experience supplying landscape scale projects to backyard gardens.
www.peppermintridgefarm.au .