How to grow Sea Celery in New Zealand
Sea celery, also called New Zealand celery, is a low, sprawling native herb of the coast with glossy, divided leaves and a strong celery and parsley flavour. It grows naturally around the New Zealand coastline and in Australia, and it is easy to grow from seed or a plant in sandy, free-draining soil, pots or rockeries. Use it sparingly, as it is more intense than garden celery.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Sea Celery in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to May | |
| Auckland | August to May | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to May | |
| Central North Island | August to May | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to May | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to May | |
| Canterbury | August to May | |
| Otago & Southland | September to April | Plant Sep to Apr so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
| Central Otago | September to March | Plant Sep to Mar so roots establish before the hard frosts. |
Not to be confused with: Garden celery, which is occasionally found growing wild and is an upright plant, and water celery, a weedy freshwater plant of drains and streams.
Where to plant
Sea celery grows naturally on coastal rocks, cliff ledges, salt marshes, estuary banks and damp seepages, so it copes with salt wind and suits coastal gardens. In the garden it likes sandy, free-draining soil with some moisture, in sun or part shade, and it does well in pots, rockeries and the edges of beds.
- Northland to Canterbury: plant at most times of year, with spring to autumn the best.
- Otago and Southland: plant from September to April so the roots establish before the hard frosts; in Central Otago, from September to March.
How to plant
- Sow fresh seed in spring in trays or direct, or buy a plant from a native or herb nursery. Do not dig plants from the wild.
- Plant seedlings about 30 cm apart in sandy, free-draining soil.
- Water in and keep moist while they establish.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly while plants establish, then in dry spells. Sea celery likes some moisture at the roots but not waterlogged soil. It needs little feeding; a little compost in spring is enough.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick regularly to keep fresh, tender growth coming.
- Cut back old, straggly growth to encourage new shoots.
- Let a plant flower and set seed if you want seedlings; fresh seed germinates readily.
Harvesting
Pick young leaves and stems as needed. Use them chopped in soups, stews, salads, stuffings and with seafood, as you would celery leaf or parsley, but in smaller amounts, as the flavour is strong.
Growing in pots
Sea celery grows well in a pot or trough of free-draining potting mix with some sand added, in sun or part shade. Water when the mix starts to dry.
Propagation
Sea celery is easily grown from fresh seed and from whole plants. Collect seed from your own plants once it ripens and sow it fresh.
Varieties
- Sea Celery (Apium prostratum)
Companion planting
Sea celery pairs well with other coastal natives and salt-tolerant edibles.
Good companions
- Pigface Another coastal native for sandy, salty ground.
- New Zealand Spinach A native coastal edible with similar sandy-soil needs.
- Samphire (a salty coastal succulent that likes the same conditions)
Pests and diseases
Sea celery has few pests or diseases. Slugs and snails may eat young plants.
Pests to watch for
Sea Celery is rarely troubled by disease.
Common questions
Is sea celery native to New Zealand?
Yes. It is indigenous, found around the coasts of the North, South and Stewart Islands and offshore islands, and also in Australia. It is not threatened.
Can I pick sea celery from the wild?
It is better to grow your own from seed or a nursery plant. Wild coastal plants may be on public conservation land, and plants near drains or polluted water should not be eaten.
How do I use sea celery?
Use the leaves and young stems like celery leaf or parsley, in soups, stews, salads, stuffings and with fish, but use less, as the flavour is stronger.
Will sea celery grow inland?
Yes. Although it is a coastal plant, it grows well in gardens and pots inland in sandy, free-draining soil with some moisture.
How do I grow sea celery?
Sow fresh seed in spring or plant a nursery plant in sandy, free-draining soil in sun or part shade, and keep it moist while it establishes.
Sources we checked: NZ Plant Conservation Network: Apium prostratum (New Zealand celery).