Crop type: Celery
Apium graveolens var. dulce ‘Victoria’
Common name: Celery ‘Victoria’
Crop slug: celery
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile. Check the source and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Victoria’ is a vigorous, quick-growing mid-season celery reaching up to 1m tall. Well-filled plants carry bright-green leaves above thick upright stalks. It is valued as one of the best-flavoured celery cultivars, with a distinct nutty taste, good standing ability and reliable performance through difficult spring conditions. Its slow-bolting habit further supports dependable cropping.
2 - Size
- Ultimate height
- 0.5–1 metre
- Ultimate spread
- 0.5–1 metre
- Time to ultimate size
- 1–2 years
It is normally harvested during its first annual growing cycle.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Loam and sand
- Moisture
- Well-drained or moist but well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral or alkaline
Use fertile ground that drains freely while retaining a steady moisture supply.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun
- Aspect
- South- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H2 — tolerant of low temperatures but not surviving frost
Keep young plants warm and choose a sunny sheltered block, as chilling can trigger bolting despite the cultivar’s resistance.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
No seasonal colour values are assigned. The edible crop is distinguished by thick upright green stalks and abundant bright-green foliage.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar and upright
- Name status
- Accepted
- Potentially harmful
- Plant sap may harm skin in sunlight; wear gloves and protective clothing when handling
Genus
Apium includes annual, biennial and perennial herbs with divided or pinnate foliage and tiny white flowers held in summer umbels.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Sow indoors from March to April in trays or modules, then transplant seedlings to their final positions once large enough to handle and outdoor conditions are warm. Maintain even moisture throughout stalk growth.
Propagation
Propagate by seed.
Pruning
No pruning is required.
Pests
Plants may be susceptible to celery fly, slugs and snails.
Diseases
Possible problems include bolting, celery leaf spot, celery heart rot and split stalks.