How to Grow Champion Moss Curled Parsley
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Champion Moss Curled Parsley
Petroselinum crispum 'Champion Moss Curled'
herbChampion Moss Curled is a decorative parsley variety with dense, finely curled foliage that resembles moss, making it both attractive and flavorful. This biennial herb is prized for its deep green, lacy leaves and mild, fresh parsley flavor. It's commonly used as a garnish and culinary herb in kitchens worldwide.
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Example Champion Moss Curled Parsley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Champion Moss Curled Parsley
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Champion Moss Curled Parsley
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; prefers cooler seasons in zones 8-9
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Germination
10-21 daysSeeds begin to sprout; soil temperature should be 50-70°F. Seedlings emerge slowly (10-21 days).
Soak seeds 24 hours before planting to improve germination rate. Keep soil moist and warm. Provide indirect light once sprouted.
Seedling
3-4 weeksTrue leaves appear after cotyledons; plants develop 2-4 sets of leaves and grow 2-3 inches tall.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Provide 12-16 hours of light daily if starting indoors. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and increasingly curled, lacy foliage; plant grows 12-18 inches tall.
Water regularly; fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch off flower buds in first year to encourage leaf production. Mulch around base.
Mature Foliage
8+ weeks through seasonPlant is full, bushy, and densely covered with characteristic moss-like curled leaves ready for regular harvesting.
Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly. Continue watering and feeding. In second year, plant will eventually produce flowers (small white blooms), then seeds.
Flowering/Bolting (Year 2)
Variable; typically late spring/summer of second yearPlant sends up flower stalks with tiny white or pale yellow flowers clustered in umbels; leaf production decreases.
Harvest seeds for replanting or allow plant to self-seed. Flavor diminishes as plant focuses energy on reproduction. Consider replanting fresh annual crop.
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars; allow some damage as they become beautiful butterflies. Use row covers on young plants. Neem oil if severe.
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Increase humidity; spray with water. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Improve air circulation.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Hand-pick at dusk. Set up beer traps. Use copper tape barriers. Encourage ground beetles.
Uses
Garnish and fresh cooking
CulinaryChampion Moss Curled's attractive curled leaves make it ideal as an elegant garnish for soups, salads, and plated dishes. It adds a fresh, mild parsley flavor to sauces, herb butters, and mixed green dishes. [source]
Soups and stocks
CulinaryThe stems and leaves contribute subtle herbal notes to broths, stocks, and soups. Often used in bouquet garni alongside bay leaf and thyme. [source]
Digestive and nutritional support
MedicinalParsley is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Traditionally used to support digestion and has diuretic properties. [source]
Natural breath freshener
HouseholdFresh parsley can help neutralize odors and freshen breath, especially after eating garlic or onions. [source]
Decorative floral arrangements
CraftThe finely curled, lacy foliage is attractive in fresh flower arrangements and adds texture and greenery to bouquets and table centerpieces. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant has 6+ inches of growth (usually 60-70 days after planting). Pinch or cut leaves from the outside working inward, leaving inner growth to continue. Harvest in the morning for best flavor and aroma. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth. In first year, avoid harvesting more than one-third of plant at a time. Flavor is best before flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Champion Moss Curled parsley is a biennial, meaning it grows leaves in its first year and produces flowers and seeds in its second year, though many gardeners replant annually for tender, flavorful foliage.
- 🌱 The distinctive black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars feed exclusively on plants in the Apiaceae family (parsley, fennel, dill, caraway), making parsley an excellent host plant for supporting these beautiful insects.
- 🌱 Parsley seeds have a notoriously long germination time (10-21 days) and low germination rates; soaking seeds overnight or using fresh seed improves success rates significantly.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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