Jayme is an aspiring wine-maker and Certified Sommelier, and when away from the restaurant, she can be found in the garden or the kitchen. She blogs at Holly & Flora, where she writes about cultivating, co*cktailing, and creating, from garden to glass.
updated Apr 13, 2021
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When I was growing up, parsley was just the frilly stuff sitting atop my entrée. The leaves that I flicked aside so I could enjoy the main course. Today, parsley is the most-used herb in my home kitchen. (Imagine that!) And now, I’m here to tell you why you should be growing it in your garden and how easy it is to do.
Why You Should Grow Parsley at Home
Parsley (Umbelliferae) is a versatile herb. It is incorporated into many different cooking styles and cuisines. Similar to what salt does to a dish, parsley ties a meal’s flavors together. From a vegetable omelet, to tabbouleh salad, to chimichurri sauce on a grilled steak, parsley adds a bright, high note to almost anything I’m making.
Aside from its deliciousness, parsley is a powerhouse of nutrients. Did you know that parsley actually has more vitamin C in it than an orange? Try adding several leaves and stalks to your morning juicing blend.
Is Parsley a Perennial or an Annual?
Perennials are plants that grow back each year, and annuals are plants that die after one season. Parsley is actually a biennial. This less common classification means that the plant only comes back after two gardening seasons — just enough time to produce leaves, go to seed, and develop a substantial taproot.
As a biennial, the parsley plant offers delicious leaves its first year, and goes to seed its second year. Parsley also delivers an oft-overlooked bonus that final year: Its taproot is edible. In fact, parsley’s root is the most pungent and flavorful part of the plant.
Which Kind of Parsley Should I Grow?
Parsley is closely related to dill, carrots, and celery. The resemblance is pretty clear. There are two main kinds of parsley that you’ll encounter: flat-leaf (Neapolitanum) or curly leaf (P. Crispum). Many cooks choose to grow flat-leaf parsley for its more vibrant flavor and its ease of chopping. Curly parsley is equally delicious, but also provides an eye-catching, edible display in a garden.
How to Plant Parsley
- Where: Like so many other herbs, parsley also performs well in a container. If you plant parsley indoors, keep the pot near a warm, sunny window. If you grow roses in your garden, plant parsley around your rose bushes. Supposedly, you’ll reap more fragrant blossoms. I like to plant parsley in my containers, alongside my tomatoes, where they make excellent companions.
- When: While parsley is an easy plant to start from seed, germination can be a slower process than other herbs. Sow seeds directly into garden soil, three to four weeks before the last frost. For a speedier germination, soak parsley seeds overnight before sowing them. I like to start my parsley seeds indoors, 2 1/2 to 3 months before the last frost, in order to get ahead and have larger plants to start off the growing season.
How to Cultivate Parsley
- Soil: Plant parsley in moist, loamy, well-turned soil. Incorporate rich compost early in the growing season, just as you’re planting your parsley.
- Sun: Parsley does well in both full-sun and part-sun environments. If you’re planting parsley indoors, be sure to grow it near a sunny window.
- Water: Although parsley grows its best in moist soil, it is relatively drought-tolerant. Translation? Parsley is pretty adaptable.
- Spacing: If you’re starting parsley from seed, thin to 9″ apart. If you’re transplanting seedlings or small plants, go ahead and space 9″ apart, as well.
- Companion planting: Plant parsley next to tomatoes, corn, and asparagus. If you have roses in your garden, planting parsley nearby enhances the health and aroma of your roses.
How to Harvest Parsley
The harvesting cycle for parsley is a little different, as it is a biennial. The first year, harvest parsley for its leaves, choosing stalks furthest out from the plant’s center. Leave the inner stalks and leaves, so the plant can keep growing. The second year, the leaves will be sparse and may be less flavor-intense. You may use them, but you may also let the parsley bloom. Bees love the blossoms. Collect the seeds to sow the following spring.
In the fall of that second year, harvest the parsley’s root. It is actually the most flavorful portion of the entire plant! A particular cultivar of parsley, Hamburg, is known for the most flavorful root. Shave raw parsley root over salads for a great crunch and intense flavor.
Note: Don’t toss those stems! Did you know that parsley’s stems are more potent in flavor than its leaves? So the next time you put portobellos on the grill and make a batch of chimichurri or pesto, incorporate the stems for great texture and exceptional flavor.
As a certified sommelier and enthusiast with a deep passion for gardening and culinary arts, I can assure you that my expertise extends to the cultivation and usage of herbs like parsley. In the realm of flavors and aromas, I navigate seamlessly from the vineyards to the kitchen, with a particular focus on holistic, garden-to-glass experiences. Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about growing parsley at home:
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Parsley's Culinary Versatility:
- Parsley, a member of the Umbelliferae family, is an incredibly versatile herb used across various cooking styles and cuisines. Its role is comparable to that of salt, as it brings together the flavors of a meal, enhancing dishes like vegetable omelets, tabbouleh salads, and chimichurri sauces.
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Nutritional Powerhouse:
- Beyond its culinary prowess, parsley is a nutritional powerhouse. Surprisingly, it contains more vitamin C than an orange, making it a valuable addition to morning juicing blends.
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Parsley's Growth Cycle:
- Parsley is classified as a biennial, meaning it completes its life cycle in two gardening seasons. In the first year, it produces leaves, and in the second year, it goes to seed while developing a substantial taproot. The taproot, often overlooked, is edible and adds a pungent and flavorful dimension to dishes.
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Varieties of Parsley:
- There are two main types of parsley: flat-leaf (Neapolitanum) and curly leaf (P. Crispum). While flat-leaf parsley is favored for its vibrant flavor and ease of chopping, curly parsley not only offers great taste but also presents an eye-catching, edible display in a garden.
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Planting Parsley:
- Parsley can be grown in containers, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Companion planting, such as placing parsley near roses or tomatoes, is mentioned as a strategy to enhance fragrance and blossom production.
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Cultivation Tips:
- Parsley thrives in moist, loamy, well-turned soil. The article recommends incorporating rich compost during the growing season. Parsley can adapt to both full-sun and part-sun environments, making it a versatile herb. Adequate spacing and companion planting with tomatoes, corn, and asparagus are highlighted.
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Harvesting Cycle:
- The harvesting cycle for parsley differs due to its biennial nature. In the first year, harvest the outer stalks and leaves, leaving the inner parts for continued growth. In the second year, when the plant goes to seed, harvest the roots for their intense flavor. Additionally, parsley stems are noted to be more potent in flavor than the leaves, making them valuable in culinary applications.
In summary, growing parsley at home involves understanding its unique growth cycle, choosing the right variety, providing suitable growing conditions, and optimizing the harvest to maximize flavor and nutrition. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast, a gardener, or both, cultivating parsley can be a rewarding experience that elevates your dishes from garden to plate.
