Giant celery
thapsia garganica
Also known as: ["Giant celery","Wild celery","Garganic thapsia"]
Overview
A highly toxic perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, known for its large, celery-like leaves and umbels of small white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Thapsia |
| Botanical Name: | Thapsia garganica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun to prevent scorching; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; ensure good air circulation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; avoid direct sun on leaves in hot climates.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and sand; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm conditions (65–85°F/18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in warmth.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, let it callus for a day, dip in hormone (optional), plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots may appear in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness, cut back leggy stems to a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Clean pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged parts, shape as desired, clean up debris, disinfect tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply, allow excess to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves (cold stress), wilting or leaf drop (heat stress), stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, roots can rot in cold, damp soil.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, reduce watering in cool conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with roots, stop in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicThapsia garganica poses a significant toxic risk to cats, with thapsigargin causing severe systemic effects, including gastrointestinal upset, cardiovascular instability, and neurological damage. Cats are particularly sensitive to its toxic compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThapsia garganica is highly toxic to dogs due to the presence of thapsigargin, which disrupts calcium homeostasis and can lead to severe gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and neurological distress. Even small amounts can be fatal.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicThapsia garganica contains highly toxic compounds, particularly thapsigargin, which inhibits the SERCA pump, leading to severe calcium dysregulation and cellular dysfunction. Ingestion can cause life-threatening systemic effects, including cardiovascular collapse and neurological impairment.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Thapsia garganica safe to grow around pets?
A: No, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats and should be kept away from pets.
Q: What are the typical uses of Thapsia garganica?
A: Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine, though its toxicity limits modern applications.
Q: How should Thapsia garganica be cared for?
A: It requires well-drained soil and full sun, with moderate watering to prevent wilting or leaf spots.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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