You can grow celery from the grocery store, and it’s one of the easiest kitchen scraps to regrow at home.
The base of a celery bunch—the part you usually chop off and toss—contains the crown, which is the tiny growing point that can sprout brand-new stalks.
So instead of throwing that stub away, you can turn it into a fresh supply of celery right on your windowsill or in your garden.
If you’ve been asking yourself “how to grow celery from the grocery store,” the answer is simpler than you might think, and it doesn’t require any special tools or seeds.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grow celery from the grocery store, step by step, so you can enjoy homegrown celery without spending a dime on starter plants.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Grow Celery From the Grocery Store
You can grow celery from the grocery store because that bunch you bought still carries a living crown at its base.
Here’s why this little scrap has so much potential.
1. The Base Holds the Growing Crown
The bottom inch or two of a celery bunch is called the crown, and it’s packed with dormant growth nodes.
When you place that crown in water or soil, those nodes wake up and send out fresh leaves and stalks.
This is the same reason you can grow celery from the grocery store again and again—the crown is essentially a mini plant waiting for the right conditions.
2. Celery Is a Biennial Plant
Celery is a biennial, which means it naturally lives for two years and focuses its first year on growing leaves and stalks.
That’s great news for anyone who wants to grow celery from the grocery store, because the plant is already in its leafy growth phase when you buy it.
It only bolts and goes to seed in its second year, so your regrown scraps will happily produce stalks for months.
3. It Thrives in Water and Soil
The crown doesn’t need much to get started, just moisture and a bit of light.
You can grow celery from the grocery store in a shallow dish of water first, then move it to soil once roots appear.
Either way, the plant adapts quickly, which makes this one of the most forgiving kitchen-scrap projects out there.
How to Grow Celery From the Grocery Store Step by Step
Learning how to grow celery from the grocery store takes just a few minutes of setup and a little patience.
Follow these steps and you’ll have a thriving little plant before you know it.
1. Cut the Base About Two Inches From the Bottom
Start by slicing off the bottom two inches of your celery bunch with a sharp knife.
Keep the base intact—this is the part you’ll use to grow celery from the grocery store.
The stalks above it can go straight into your soup or salad.
2. Place the Base in a Shallow Dish of Water
Set the celery base upright in a small bowl or dish with about an inch of fresh water.
Put it somewhere bright but out of harsh direct sun, like a kitchen windowsill.
Change the water every day or two to keep it clean and prevent rot.
3. Watch for New Leaves and Roots
Within five to seven days, you’ll see tiny yellow-green leaves sprouting from the center.
Soon after, small white roots will appear around the base.
This is the moment you’ll know your attempt to grow celery from the grocery store is working.
4. Transfer to Soil Once Roots Form
When the roots are about an inch long, plant the base in a pot filled with rich, well-draining soil.
Bury it so only the new leaves stick out above the surface.
Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a spot that gets at least six hours of indirect sunlight.
5. Water Consistently and Feed Occasionally
Celery loves moisture, so never let the soil dry out completely.
A balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks helps the plant grow strong stalks.
With steady care, your regrown celery will be ready to harvest in about three to four months.
Tips for Success When You Grow Celery From the Grocery Store
To get the best results when you grow celery from the grocery store, keep these pointers in mind.
1. Choose a Fresh, Healthy Bunch
The fresher the celery you buy, the better your chances of success.
Look for firm stalks and a pale, intact base, since an old or damaged crown may not sprout.
2. Give It Plenty of Light and Cool Temperatures
Celery thrives in cool weather and bright light.
A sunny windowsill or a partly shaded outdoor spot works well when you grow celery from the grocery store.
3. Be Patient With Thin First Stalks
Your first regrowth may be thinner and leafier than store-bought celery.
That’s completely normal.
Keep caring for the plant and later stalks will grow thicker and more tender.
So, Can You Grow Celery From the Grocery Store?
You can grow celery from the grocery store, and it’s a fun, frugal way to turn kitchen scraps into fresh food.
The base of a celery bunch holds a living crown that sprouts new leaves and roots with just water and light.
Within a few months, you’ll have your own homegrown stalks ready to harvest.
I hope this guide on how to grow celery from the grocery store has inspired you to give it a try.
Grab that next bunch of celery and save the base.