ParcelAKA Leaf Celery
Apium graveolens var. Secalinum
I like to think of this plant as tasting like celery but growing like parsley!Apium graveolens var. Secalinum
It's actually a form of wild celery with a parsley like growth habit. Today's celery was developed from these wild forms.
Gives the flavour of celery to salads and cooking at the same time as garnishing.
It's said to have similar health properties to celery; diuretic and anti-inflammatory.
It is sold through the Herb Herbert range as a plant (Parcel). Download a fact sheet on it here.
I have found that seeds kept from these plants grow well if picked when fully ripe and stored carefully.
It enjoys moist rich soil but I have found it does well in a large pot or tub much the same as parsley and survives on much less water than celery does.
I've never grown leaf celery, though I love the taste in soups and stews, I might give it a go. It's the shortest day of the year here... does that mean it's the longest there? I laughed out loud at your photo of Luckydog!! Mainly because I have just posted a pic of Buddy wearing the same hat! Merry Christmas xx Matron
ReplyDeleteScarecrow, this plant will encourage lacewings and other beneficial insects to your garden. If you have any plants susceptible to Aphid attack, this is one of the best herbs/plants to have planted nearby.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas, I've got a houseful so escaping for a few quiet moments to the safety of the blogs...
cosmic
I hope everyone had a great Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWe've been 'offline' for amost a week now after a storm mucked up our settings.
Not quite back to normal yet but thank you for the wishes.
Thanks for the tip re aphids Cosmic I do have a few problems with aphids on brassicas so I'll keep your suggestion in mind!
Matron I saw Buddy's photo on your blog, he looked very Christmassy! LOL