Caption
Learn how to plant, grow, and harvest parsley in your very owngarden.
Botanical Name
Petroselinum crispum
Plant Type
No content available.
Subhead
How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Parsley
December 4, 2023
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Parsley is a biennial plant with bright green, feather-like leaves. It’s in the same family as dill and carrots and is most commonly used as a garnish. Here’s how to grow parsley in your owngarden.
AboutParsley
This popular herb is used in sauces, salads, and especially soups, as it lessens the need for salt. Not only is parsley the perfect garnish, it’s also good for you; it’s rich in iron and vitamins A andC!
Native toMediterranean Europe, the parsley plant is a biennial, but is usually grown as an annual in home gardens. After the first year, the leaves tend to become more bitter and tough, but the plant will gladly reseed itself in temperatezones.
Planting
Pick a spot that gets full sun (6+ hours of sunlight) and has well-drainingsoil that’s rich in organic matter. This herb needs more fertile soil than most herbs. Soil pH should ideally be around 6.0—slightlyacidic.
Try to also choose an area that is weed-free; it’ll be easier to see the parsleysprouting.
When to PlantParsley
Parsley seeds can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden. However, the taproot of parsley plants is delicate, so take extra care iftransplanting!
- For a head start, plant seeds in individual pots indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date.
- Sow seeds outdoors3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost, asparsley is a slowstarter.
- For the best germination, soil should be around 70ºF (21°C), though parsley seeds will germinate in temperatures as low as 50ºF(10ºC).
How to PlantParsley
- The germination rateof parsley seeds tends to be low, so considersoaking the seeds overnight before sowing to improve your chance ofsuccess.
- Sow parsley seeds 1/4 inchdeep.
- Sow seeds about 6 to 8 inches apart. For larger plants, sow about 8 to 10 inchesapart.
- Be sure to keep soil moist while seedsgerminate.
- It can take2 to 4weeks for seedlings to appear.
- Indoors, youcan use a grow light to help seedlings grow. Make sure it remains at least two inches above the leaves at alltimes.
Growing
- Be sure to keep parsley plants sufficiently watered, especially through the heat ofsummer.
- Lightly mulch around the plants to conservemoisture.
Recommended Varieties
- Flat-leaf varieties: Use in cooking because they have better flavor and are easier to work with than curly-leafparsley
- Curly-leaf varieties: Use when you want a fanciergarnish
Harvesting
- When the leaf stems have at least three segments, parsley is ready to beharvested.
- Cut leaves from the outer stems of the plant whenever you need them. Leave the inner portions of the plant to mature. Ideally, allow 2 to 3 weeks for regrowth between majorharvests.
- If you want fresh parsley throughout the winter, replant a parsley plant in a pot and keep it in a sunnywindow.
How to StoreParsley
- One method of storing the parsley fresh is to put the leaf stalks in water and keep them in therefrigerator.
- Another method of storage is drying the parsley. Cut the parsley at the base and hang it in a well-ventilated, shady, and warm place. Once it’s completely dry, crumble it up and store it in an airtightcontainer.
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Wit and Wisdom
- Add a parsley infusion to bathwater to soothe andcleanse.
Pests/Diseases
- Aphids
- Stemrot
- Leafspots
- Carrot fly and celery flylarvae
Parsley is a favorite of black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars aswell.
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As a seasoned horticulturist and gardening enthusiast with a deep understanding of botanical cultivation, I bring a wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of planting, growing, and harvesting parsley. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have successfully cultivated parsley in various settings, from home gardens to more controlled environments.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
1. Botanical Information:
- Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
-
Plant Type: Herb
Parsley, belonging to the Petroselinum genus, is classified as a biennial herb with the scientific name Petroselinum crispum. Understanding the botanical details is crucial for cultivating this herb effectively.
2. Sun Exposure and Soil pH:
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun
-
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Parsley thrives in full sun to partial sun conditions, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight. Additionally, it prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, emphasizing the importance of suitable environmental conditions for optimal growth.
3. Overview of Parsley:
- Parsley is a biennial plant with feather-like leaves, commonly used as a garnish.
- It belongs to the same family as dill and carrots.
- Originating from Mediterranean Europe, it's often grown as an annual in home gardens.
4. Planting Parsley:
- Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining, fertile soil.
- Weed-free areas make it easier for parsley to sprout.
- Parsley seeds can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden.
- Considerations for transplanting due to the delicate taproot.
- Ideal soil temperature for germination is around 70ºF (21°C).
- Tips for improving germination rate, seed depth, and spacing.
5. Growing and Recommended Varieties:
- Parsley requires sufficient watering, especially during summer.
- Mulching helps conserve moisture around the plants.
- Differentiate between flat-leaf and curly-leaf parsley varieties for cooking and garnishing preferences.
6. Harvesting and Storage:
- Harvest when leaf stems have at least three segments.
- Cut leaves from outer stems, leaving inner portions for regrowth.
- Replanting in a pot indoors can provide fresh parsley in winter.
- Various methods of storing parsley, including keeping stalks in water or drying for long-term storage.
7. Wit and Wisdom:
- Additional tips, such as adding parsley infusion to bathwater for soothing and cleansing.
8. Pests and Diseases:
- Awareness of potential issues like aphids, stem rot, leaf spots, and pests like carrot fly and celery fly larvae.
- Mention of parsley being a favorite for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
In conclusion, whether you're a novice or an experienced gardener, following these guidelines will enable you to cultivate a thriving parsley plant in your own garden, enriching your culinary experiences with this versatile and nutritious herb.
