Can I still eat celery with spots on the leaves?

If the spots are minor, you can trim away the affected areas and use the rest of the stalk. If the leaves are heavily spotted or mushy, it is best to discard them.

Does humidity cause these spots?

Yes, high humidity and wet leaves create the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. Keeping the leaves dry is your best defense.

Celery: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the underside of the leaves for fungal growth.
Check if you are watering the leaves directly instead of the soil.
Verify that your plants have enough space for air to move between them.

Likely causes

Early Blight
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, yellow spots that turn into larger, gray or brown lesions with a target like appearance. These spots often appear on older leaves first during warm, humid weather.
What to do: Remove and destroy any infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation around your plants by spacing them 8 to 12 inches apart and avoid overhead watering.
Septoria Leaf Spot
Possible
How to tell: This shows up as tiny, dark brown or black spots on the leaves that may have a yellow halo. You might notice small black dots, which are fungal spores, inside the center of the spots.
What to do: Apply a copper based fungicide if the infection is widespread. Keep the soil surface clean of debris and ensure your celery gets plenty of morning sun to dry off dew quickly.

Find out what's wrong with your celery

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly across the entire plant or if the leaves are turning yellow and dying. A few small spots on the oldest outer leaves are often just a normal part of the aging process.

Stopping it coming back

Always water at the base of the plant and keep the foliage dry. Rotate your crops each season to prevent soil borne fungi from building up.

Keep your celery healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I still eat celery with spots on the leaves?: If the spots are minor, you can trim away the affected areas and use the rest of the stalk. If the leaves are heavily spotted or mushy, it is best to discard them.
Does humidity cause these spots?: Yes, high humidity and wet leaves create the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. Keeping the leaves dry is your best defense.

Why does my celery have spots on its leaves?