Parsley

Light

  • Full Sun, Partial Shade
    • 6 hours of light
    • Shade in the afternoon in high temperature climates (+85 degrees F)

Hardiness

  • Zone 2 - 11

Water

  • Requires 1 - 2  inches of water per week. Water when the topsoil is between dry and damp, not allowing the topsoil to become completely dry.

  • Make sure the watered area is not soggy or mushy from overwatering
  • Assure the soil is evenly watered
  • Parsley does not tolerate drought

Container

  • Perfect for a garden or a 2+ gallon pot

Transplanting

  • Plant in May 25th - July 1st
  • Dig a hole 8 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Plant seedling 1 inch deep and place soil loosely around it.

Spacing

  • Between Plants: 6 - 10 inches
  • Between Rows: 12 inches

Size

  • Height: 0.75 - 1 foot
  • Width: 9 - 12 inches

Harvest time

  • 40 - 60 days

Soil

  • Loosely packed, well-drained soil composition:
    • ⅓ compost or humus
    • ⅓ drainage and aeration material (perlite or vermiculite)
    • ⅓ loam (sand and silt. Small amount of clay)
  • Preferred pH: 6.0 - 7.0

Fertilizer

  • Fertilize soil before initially transplanting with 10-10-10 NPK, compost or fresh manure
  • No further fertilization is necessary throughout the growing season

Use

  • Parsley may look similar to cilantro but its peppery, tangy flavor sets it apart. It has many uses from adding flavor to beef and potatoes or helping lessen the amount of sodium needed when mixed with soup. Aside from being edible, it can also be used as a garnish.

Friends

  • Plant next to asparagus, basil, beans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, chives, corn, dill, fennel, kale, peas, peppers, potatoes, roses, tomatoes and zucchini

Foes

  • DO NOT plant next to carrots, catnip, celery, chamomile, garlic, lettuce, mint, onions, shallots and thyme

Tips

  • Harvest when the plant is 6 inches or taller by cutting whole stems from the base of the plant. Take leaves from the outside of the plant while allowing the new growth in the middle to mature. Avoid harvesting more than ⅓ of the plant.
  • Parsley is a great garden companion since it attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, ladybugs and damselflies.
  • Parsley is biennial but loses much of its flavor the second year. Most growers choose to start with fresh seeds every year to reach peak flavor.
  • Parsley is set apart from cilantro by its leaves (and its flavor). Parsley leaves are more triangular and curly while cilantro leaves are more rounded and flat.