Growing Parsley: The Essential Kitchen Herb

Parsley is one of the most versatile and widely used herbs in cooking, offering fresh flavor and nutritional value to countless dishes. This easy-to-grow biennial herb is perfect for beginners and provides fresh leaves almost year-round in many climates.

Getting Started

Seed Starting

  • Soak seeds overnight in warm water to improve germination
  • Sow directly in garden or start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
  • Plant seeds 0.5-1cm deep in well-draining soil
  • Seeds can take 14-21 days to germinate (be patient!)
  • Space plants 15-20cm apart in rows or clusters

Varieties to Consider

Flat-leaf (Italian) Parsley:

  • ‘Giant of Italy’ - large, flavorful leaves
  • ‘Dark Green Italian’ - excellent flavor, heat tolerant
  • ‘Plain Leaf’ - classic flat-leaf variety

Curly Parsley:

  • ‘Moss Curled’ - densely curled, decorative
  • ‘Forest Green’ - dark green, compact growth
  • ‘Champion Moss Curled’ - very ornamental

Root Parsley:

  • ‘Hamburg’ - grown for edible root, like parsnip

Growing Conditions

Soil Requirements

  • Well-draining, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.0
  • Rich in organic matter - add compost regularly
  • Moist but not waterlogged soil
  • Good drainage essential to prevent root rot

Light and Temperature

  • Partial sun to full sun (4-6 hours minimum)
  • Cool-season herb that tolerates light frost
  • Grows best in 10-21°C (50-70°F)
  • Can bolt in extreme heat - provide afternoon shade in hot climates

Watering

  • Consistent moisture important for tender leaves
  • Water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases
  • Mulch around plants to retain moisture
  • Reduce watering in winter months

Care and Maintenance

Planting Schedule

  • Spring planting: Start 2-3 weeks before last frost
  • Fall planting: 6-8 weeks before first frost
  • Succession plant every 3-4 weeks for continuous harvest
  • In mild climates, can grow year-round

Fertilizing

  • Light feeder - avoid excessive nitrogen
  • Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly during growing season
  • Side-dress with compost every 6-8 weeks
  • Liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for container plants

Pruning and Harvesting

  • Begin harvesting when plants have 6-8 leaves
  • Cut outer leaves first, leaving center to continue growing
  • Regular harvesting encourages new growth
  • Pinch flower stalks to keep leaves tender (first year)

Harvesting and Storage

When to Harvest

  • Begin harvesting 70-90 days from seed
  • Cut leaves in early morning when fully hydrated
  • Harvest outer leaves first, allowing center to grow
  • Can harvest year-round in mild climates

Storage Methods

  • Fresh: Store in refrigerator for 1-2 weeks
  • Freezing: Chop and freeze in ice cube trays with water
  • Drying: Hang bundles in dry, airy location
  • Preservation: Make parsley oil or butter for freezing

Companion Planting

Good Companions

  • Tomatoes - parsley may improve tomato flavor
  • Carrots - natural companions in garden and kitchen
  • Peppers - benefit from parsley’s pest-deterrent properties
  • Asparagus - parsley helps repel asparagus beetles
  • Roses - may improve rose health and fragrance

Plants to Avoid

  • Lettuce - may compete for nutrients and space
  • Mint - can become invasive and overwhelm parsley

Container Growing

Container Requirements

  • Minimum 15cm deep pot for good root development
  • Ensure excellent drainage with holes in bottom
  • Use quality potting mix enriched with compost
  • Place in location with morning sun, afternoon shade

Indoor Growing

  • Excellent windowsill herb for year-round harvest
  • Provide 4-6 hours of sunlight or grow lights
  • Maintain consistent moisture but avoid overwatering
  • Harvest regularly to maintain compact growth

Troubleshooting

Common Problems

  • Slow germination - old seeds or soil too cold
  • Yellowing leaves - overwatering or poor drainage
  • Bolting to seed - hot weather or plant stress
  • Pest issues - aphids, spider mites in dry conditions

Solutions

  • Use fresh seeds and warm soil for better germination
  • Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency
  • Provide shade during hottest part of day
  • Encourage beneficial insects with diverse plantings

Seasonal Care

Spring

  • Start seeds indoors or direct sow when soil can be worked
  • Prepare soil with compost and organic matter
  • Begin regular watering schedule

Summer

  • Provide afternoon shade in hot climates
  • Maintain consistent moisture
  • Harvest regularly to prevent bolting

Fall

  • Plant second crop for winter harvest
  • Continue harvesting until hard freeze
  • Mulch plants for winter protection

Winter

  • In mild climates, continue light harvesting
  • Protect plants with row covers if needed
  • Plan for next year’s planting

Culinary Uses

Fresh Applications

  • Garnish - chopped fresh over finished dishes
  • Salads - flat-leaf varieties excellent in tabbouleh
  • Sauces - essential ingredient in chimichurri, pesto
  • Soups and stews - add fresh chopped parsley at end

Preservation for Cooking

  • Herb butter - mix with softened butter and freeze
  • Herb oil - blend with olive oil for drizzling
  • Frozen cubes - chop and freeze in ice cube trays
  • Dried - though fresh is vastly superior

Parsley is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow, providing fresh flavor throughout the growing season with minimal care. Its tolerance for cool weather and ability to grow in partial shade make it an excellent choice for beginning gardeners and those with limited sunny space!