Parsley is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients, attracts beneficial insects, and is surprisingly easy to grow in your backyard. Learn how to grow parsley from seed to harvest with these tips.
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5 Tips for How to Grow Parsley
1. Plant parsley at the right time
Parsley is a biennial plant that prefers cooler temperatures and can be planted in spring and fall. The best time to plant parsley depends on your climate and whether you start from seeds or seedlings.
If you’re starting from seeds, they can be sown indoors 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost date or directly in the garden 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost. Parsley seeds can take at least three weeks to germinate, so starting them indoors can give them a head start.
For fall planting, sow seeds in the garden 8-10 weeks before the first fall frost date. In mild-winter areas, parsley can be grown throughout the winter.
If you’re planting parsley seedlings, they can go into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Make sure to harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outside to acclimate them to outdoor conditions.
In the low desert of Arizona
Start seeds indoors from July – March
Plant transplants outside from October – April
Plant seeds outdoors from October – March
2. Plant parsley correctly
Parsley seeds are very slow to germinate.Sow seeds in the garden 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) deep and 6 inches (15.24 cm) apart. It can take 3 to 4 weeks for seedlings to appear.Thin seedlings to about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm)apart once they’re a few inches tall to ensure good air circulation.
You can also plant parsley transplants. Look for small transplants with bright green leaves.Plant parsley transplants at the same depth as the nursery container.
Parsley prefers well-draining soil and grows in full sun or partial shade. Do not overwater.
Carrots, chives,dill,onions,peas, andpeppersare good companion plants for parsley.
For square-foot gardening, plant 1-2 parsley plants per square foot.
Flat Leaf (Italian) Parsley: Looks like a large version of cilantro. Robust flavor often preferred over curly parsley. TryDark Green Italian Giant.
Curly Parsley: Often used as a garnish. Flavor is similar to but less intense than flat-leaf varieties. TryTriple Moss Curled Parsley.
3. Care for parsley correctly
- Watering: Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Sunlight: Parsley does best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Some afternoon shade can help prevent the plant from bolting if you live in a particularly hot climate.
- Soil: Parsley prefers rich, well-draining soil. Regularly adding compost or organic matter can improve soil fertility and structure.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the parsley plants to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Pest and Disease Control: Regularly inspect your parsley plants for signs of pests or disease. Rotate your parsley crops to help prevent soil-borne diseases.
A note about how to grow parsley in hot climates:
Parsley is a biennial plant, which means it typically spends the first year growing leaves and the second year flowering and setting seeds. However, in hot climates or under stress, parsley plants can “bolt,” or start flowering in the first year.
High temperatures often trigger this process, as the plant’s survival instincts kick in to ensure it reproduces before the end of its life cycle. When the weather heats rapidly, the parsley plant responds by rushing into its flowering and seeding phase. This is an evolutionary adaptation to secure survival in the event of unfavorable conditions.
Bolting can also be caused by other forms of stress, such as drought, poor soil conditions, or a sudden change in light or temperature. Once a parsley plant bolts, it puts most of its energy into producing flowers and seeds, which can reduce leaf production.
If you’re growing parsley for its leaves, it’s best to harvest regularly to encourage leafy growth and keep the plant in a cool, well-watered location to help prevent bolting.
How to grow parsley in containers:
- Parsley has a long taproot and does best in at least 8 inches (20cm) deep containers.
- Parsley grown in containers benefits from aliquid organic fertilizer application each month during the growing season.
How to grow parsley indoors:
- Plant a parsley transplant in anunglazed terra-cotta pot at least 8 inches (20cm) deep.
- Water parsley only when the top inch or so of soil is dry.
- Providesupplemental lightingfor parsley for 10-11 hours, with the lights about 6 inches (15 cm) from the plant.
- Ideal indoor temperature: 50°F-75°F (10°C-24°C).
- Parsley grown indoors benefits from aliquid organic fertilizer application each month during the growing season.
4. Harvest parsley often
- When to Harvest: Begin harvesting parsley when the plants have at least three segments. This usually occurs around 70-90 days after planting.
- How to Harvest: Cut stems from the outside of the plant first, as these are the most mature. Snip them off close to the ground. This method allows the younger inner leaves to continue growing.
- Frequency of Harvesting: Regular harvesting encourages growth, so don’t be shy about picking your parsley! During peak season, you can often harvest parsley every 1-2 weeks.
- Preservation: Fresh parsley is best used immediately, but you can freeze-dry, freeze, or dry it if you have a surplus. Wash and chop the parsley, then freeze it in ice cube trays with a little water. To dry, tie the stems together and hang them in a well-ventilated, dark place until completely dry.
For more information about freeze-drying herbs, read this post.
- Culinary Uses: Parsley is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Use it fresh in salads or as a garnish on soups, stews, and roasts. Add it towards the end of cooking to retain its flavor and color.
- Health Benefits: Parsley is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and is a good source of iron and folate. It’s also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Get my favorite recipe for garden fresh vegetable stock in this post.
Remember, never pull the parsley up by the root if you want it to keep producing.
5. Use parsley to attract beneficial insects to your garden
Allow a plant or two to bolt. The tall flower stalk will form in the center of the plant. Many beneficial insects, including swallowtail butterfly larvae, are attracted to parsley flowers. The flowers develop into seeds. Save the seeds to plant again or leave them in place to scatter and (hopefully) reseed.
The foliage of second-year parsley is coarse and not as tasty. Plant new parsley each year to harvest the greens.
Visual planting guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers & vines.
I am a seasoned gardening enthusiast with extensive experience in cultivating a variety of herbs and vegetables, including parsley. My expertise comes from years of hands-on gardening, experimenting with different techniques, and closely observing plant behavior. I have successfully grown parsley in various climates, from mild-winter regions to hot desert environments, and have gained valuable insights into its growth patterns, care requirements, and potential challenges.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article on how to grow parsley:
1. Planting Parsley at the Right Time:
- Parsley is a biennial plant preferring cooler temperatures.
- Timing for planting depends on climate and whether starting from seeds or seedlings.
- Seeds can be sown indoors before the last spring frost or directly in the garden a few weeks before the last expected frost.
- Fall planting is done 8-10 weeks before the first fall frost date.
- In mild-winter areas, parsley can be grown throughout the winter.
- Seedlings should be transplanted after hardening off.
2. Planting Parsley Correctly:
- Parsley seeds are slow to germinate.
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 6 inches apart, thinning seedlings to 8-12 inches apart.
- Parsley prefers well-draining soil, full sun, or partial shade.
- Good companion plants include carrots, chives, dill, onions, peas, and peppers.
- Different parsley varieties are mentioned: Flat Leaf (Italian) and Curly Parsley.
3. Caring for Parsley Correctly:
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells, avoiding overwatering.
- Parsley thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
- Rich, well-draining soil is preferable.
- Mulch around plants for moisture conservation, weed suppression, and soil temperature regulation.
- Regularly inspect for pests and diseases, and rotate crops for disease prevention.
- Address the challenge of bolting in hot climates by harvesting regularly and providing optimal conditions.
4. Growing Parsley in Containers and Indoors:
- Parsley has a long taproot and does well in containers at least 8 inches deep.
- Container-grown parsley benefits from monthly liquid organic fertilizer applications.
- Growing parsley indoors requires specific conditions, including supplemental lighting and an ideal temperature range.
5. Harvesting Parsley Often:
- Harvest when plants have at least three segments, usually 70-90 days after planting.
- Cut stems from the outside first to encourage inner leaves to continue growing.
- Regular harvesting promotes growth, with parsley often harvestable every 1-2 weeks.
- Methods for preserving parsley include freeze-drying, freezing, or drying.
6. Using Parsley to Attract Beneficial Insects:
- Allowing a plant or two to bolt attracts beneficial insects like swallowtail butterfly larvae.
- Flowers develop into seeds that can be saved for planting or left to scatter and reseed.
- It is suggested to plant new parsley each year for optimal greens.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from the initial planting stages to harvesting and utilizing parsley in various environments and conditions.
