How to Grow Parsley Plants

Parsley Herb Plant

How to Grow Parsley in Your Herb Garden

One of the most popular plants in the herb garden is parsley. It is a biennial, which means it grows for two years. This means you only have to plant it every other year. Additionally, it is a hardy plant. So, you can harvest sprigs well after the first frost in your area. Growing parsley herb means you never have to buy it in the store again. So, use this guide on “How to Grow Parsley” to grow a great crop in your herb garden. Then, grab some parsley seeds and start this year’s crop.

Did you know that Parsley is an easy-to-grow vegetable? That’s right, a vegetable! Almost everyone thinks of it as an herb.  Actually, it is both a vegetable and an herb. We suggest you grow it in a flower garden near the house, or a container, especially if your garden space is limited. By planting it near your house, you can quickly harvest some for cooking, and it will continue to grow well into the fall months.

As an herb, it has a mild flavor which is used in a wide variety of recipes. It also is an important garnish, decorating many types of trays and dishes. Kids seem to like to take Parsley garnish, and munch on it.

Did you Know? There is also a vegetable called Hamburg Parsley, which is grown for its long root to flavor soups and stews. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, calcium, and iron.

Try growing this herb in a sunny window and enjoy it fresh all winter. We do!

Thought for the Day: If a parsley grower is sued, can you garnish his wages?

Botanical Name: Petroselinum Crispum, a Biennial

Medicinal Benefits

Parsley promotes kidney health and helps to control blood pressure.

Parsley Trivia: Ancient Romans used sprigs of parsley as garlands on their crowns.

Parsley Herb, How to Grow Parsley

Growing Parsley - Plant Propagation

This herb is grown from seed. Plants can be started indoors or out. We suggest you sow these tiny parsley seeds indoors and let them grow for a few weeks before planting them outdoors. They transplant easily. And, transplanting affords easy spacing.

For indoor starts: Plant seeds in peat pots or pellets. This will minimize transplant shock.

After seeds have sprouted and are over 1/2 inch tall, thin to one plant per pot.

Garden Tip: Use scissors to thin plants, cutting the small plants at the base. 

Sow parsley seeds thinly. Parsley seeds are so fine, you can sow on top of the soil and just water them in.  Sow parsley seeds in your garden as early as the ground can be worked. Then, cover the seeds with 1/2″ to 3/4″ of fine garden or seed starting soil. Then, water lightly, if the soil is dry.

Seed Germination: Parsley seeds sprout very slowly. They take3-4 weeks to germinate. 

Because of the long germination time, we recommend an indoor start. Plant parsley seeds in peat pots or pellets, to minimize transplant shock.

Also, we strongly recommend using a heated germination mat.

How to Grow Parsley Herb Plant

How to Grow Parsley Herb Plants

While Parsley is a biennial, it is often grown as an annual, especially in colder climates.

The plants grow in full sun to partly shaded areas. The soil should be rich. This easy-to-grow herb tolerates poor soil and poor drainage. So, you can be grow it in areas of the garden that other plants do not like.

Parsley plants tolerate a little crowding.

Apply fertilizer when the plants are transplanted into the garden. Then, re-apply once a month.

Water plants only when the soil is dry.

Keep young plants weeded.

Garden Tip: For a maintenance-free crop, mulch around the plants. 

Ideal Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.0

Insects and Pests

Aphids will infrequently enjoy a meal of your parsley. Aphids have far too many other flowers and vegetables, that they prefer much more.

We recommend tolerating the occasional infestation, rather than using insecticides. Or, try organic sprays.

Parsley Drying Herbs

How to Grow Parsley Herb- Harvest Time

Days to harvest:  70 – 90 days.

Pick leaves and tender young stems for eating fresh. Cook like spinach.

Parsley is one of the easiest herbs to freeze. See How to Dry Herbs.

Are Parsley Roots Edible? They certainly are. Roots take a long time to grow. Roots can be picked when the roots are at least several inches long. Peel and eat raw or cooked. Use in soups, salads, and stir-fries.

Plant Hardiness

Parsley is very hardy. Plants that have wintered over in your garden, will begin their growth with the first rays of sun in the spring. New growth begins shortly after the snow has melted. You can harvest the leaves late into the fall.

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