I get asked about this plant more often than you’d expect…
“What exactly is leaf celery?”
“Is it the same as the celery in supermarkets?”
“And where do you even find it?”
If you’ve ever come across a recipe — especially Mediterranean or traditional dishes — that calls for leaf celery or cutting celery, you’re not alone in wondering.
So let me walk you through it — simply, like I would if we were standing in the garden together.
Not All Celery Is the Same
Most people only know the crisp, pale green celery from the supermarket.
But there are actually three different types, each grown for a different purpose:
- Stalk Celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce) — grown for its crunchy stems
- Celeriac (Celery Root) (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) — grown for its root
- Leaf Celery (Cutting Celery) (Apium graveolens var. secalinum) — grown for its flavourful leaves
And once you try leaf celery… you realise it’s something entirely different.
What Makes Leaf Celery So Special
It looks a little like a cross between parsley and celery — looser, leafier, more wild.
But the real difference is in the flavour.
Deeper.
More herbal.
More alive.
This isn’t something you snack on raw — it’s a herb you cook with.
I use it most in:
- Soups
- Stews
- Broths
- Slow-cooked meals
It brings a richness that regular celery just can’t quite match.
Can You Substitute It?
You can — but you’ll notice the difference.
If I ever use regular celery instead, I like to add a small handful of freshly chopped parsley right at the end. It helps bring back some of that fresh, herbal depth that leaf celery naturally carries.
It works… but it’s not quite the same.
A Small Tip That Makes a Big Difference
The stems can sometimes be a little tougher.
So I tend to:
- Use the tender leaves and softer stems in cooking
- Save the tougher pieces for stocks
It’s a simple way to get the best out of the plant — without wasting anything.
Growing Leaf Celery (Perfect for Containers & Small Spaces)
This is where leaf celery really comes into its own.
It’s incredibly well suited to container growing, which makes it perfect if you’re working with:
- A patio
- A balcony
- A small garden
- Or even a sunny doorstep
Instead of harvesting the whole plant, you simply cut what you need — and it keeps growing.
That gentle, ongoing harvest is what makes it such a beautiful addition to a healing herb garden.
If you’d like to build your own mix of useful plants, you can explore your options here:
👉 Choose Your Own Herbs Collection (internal link)
What to Grow Alongside Leaf Celery
If you’re planting in a container or small space, leaf celery pairs beautifully with other soft, usable herbs.
I especially recommend growing it alongside:
These herbs enjoy similar conditions and work together naturally — both in the garden and in the kitchen.
If you’re just starting out, you might also love:
👉 Starting Your Healing Herb Garden
It’s a gentle way to create something that feels both practical and nourishing.
Indoors or Outdoors?
Leaf celery is incredibly flexible.
Outdoors, it thrives in cooler seasons and grows steadily with very little fuss.
Indoors, it can live happily in a container near a bright window — especially if you treat it like a herb rather than a crop.
It’s not demanding.
It just quietly grows.
A Simple Way to Use It
One of my favourite ways to use leaf celery is in a slow tomato sauce.
I add it in two stages — early for depth, and later for freshness — which really brings out its flavour.
It works beautifully with:
- Pasta dishes
- Stuffed ravioli
- Simple, comforting meals
It’s one of those ingredients that elevates everything without trying too hard.
Why I Keep Coming Back to It
Leaf celery isn’t flashy.
You won’t always find it in shops.
It doesn’t look like much at first glance.
But once you start using it… it becomes one of those plants you always want nearby.
Simple.
Useful.
And deeply connected to a more natural way of growing and cooking.
If you’re building your own space — even just a few pots — this is one of those herbs that quietly brings everything together
Frequently Asked Questions
What is leaf celery: the forgotten herb that transforms your cooking about?
I get asked about this plant more often than you’d expect… “What exactly is leaf celery?” “Is it the same as the celery in supermarkets?” “And where do you even find it?” If you’ve ever come across a recipe — especially Mediterranean or traditional dishes — that calls for leaf celery or cutting celery , you’re not alone in wondering
Is this suitable for beginner herb gardeners?
Yes — all content on The Healing Herb Garden is written to be accessible for beginners while providing enough depth to interest experienced gardeners and herbalists.
Where are The Healing Herb Garden plants grown?
All plants are grown in the UK in small batches using natural, organic methods. They are supplied as healthy, established plants in biodegradable pots.
Can I grow healing herbs in pots and containers?
Most traditional healing herbs grow well in containers. Use a loam-based compost with good drainage, choose appropriately sized pots, and water more frequently than for border plants.
Are herbal preparations safe?
Traditional herbal preparations are generally well tolerated when used appropriately. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbs medicinally, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.
What is the difference between medicinal and culinary herbs?
Many herbs serve both culinary and medicinal traditions — the distinction is often one of use and dose rather than the plant itself. Culinary herbs are used in food; medicinal use involves more specific preparations and intakes.
Can You Substitute It?
You can — but you’ll notice the difference.
More from The Herb Garden Journal
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