How to Grow Extra Curled Parsley

Extra Curled Parsley

Petroselinum crispum var. crispum

herb

Extra Curled Parsley is a biennial herb prized for its deeply ruffled, dark green foliage and mild, fresh flavor. It is one of the most commonly cultivated parsley varieties, valued both for culinary use and ornamental garden appeal. The dense, frilly leaves make it an excellent garnish and ingredient in countless dishes.

Looking for a specific variety?

Extra Curled Dwarf Champion Moss Curled Sherwood Decora Pagoda

When should you plant Extra Curled Parsley in your zone?

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Example Extra Curled Parsley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Extra Curled Parsley
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Extra Curled Parsley
Around Jun 26

≈ 70 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Extra Curled Parsley dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily, with afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times per week depending on weather. Reduce watering in cooler months. Mulch to retain moisture.

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 70-90 days from seed

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Planting depth: 0.25

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Aged manure Perlite for drainage Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 3-10; prefers cooler seasons but can be grown year-round in mild climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny, feathery cotyledons emerge. True leaves are slow to develop. Seedlings are delicate and light green.

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear. Parsley seeds are slow to germinate (2-3 weeks); soak seeds 24 hours prior to planting to speed germination.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems with increasingly frilly, deeply curled green leaves. Plants become bushier and more ornamental.

Maintain consistent moisture. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Pinch off any flower buds that appear to encourage leaf production. Mulch around the base.

Mature Foliage

Several months

Full, lush mounds of densely curled foliage, typically 8-12 inches tall. Leaves are vibrant dark green and fully ruffled.

Harvest outer leaves regularly to promote bushiness and discourage flowering. Continue consistent watering and monthly feeding. Monitor for pests.

Flowering (Second Year)

4-8 weeks

Tall flower stalks (up to 3 feet) emerge with small white or pale yellow flowers clustered at the top. Foliage becomes less desirable.

Pinch off flower stalks if fresh leaf production is desired, or allow flowering for seed production. If bolting occurs in first year due to heat stress, harvest heavily and replant.

Seed Production

4-6 weeks

Flowers develop into dry seed heads containing small, ribbed seeds. Plants begin to decline in vigor.

Allow seed heads to fully dry on the plant. Cut entire stalks and hang upside down in a paper bag to dry and collect seeds. Allow 120+ days from planting for seed maturity.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Tomato Carrot Asparagus Chives Basil Dill Lettuce Spinach

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Apiaceae family plants in close proximity (can cross-pollinate)

Common Pests

Hand-pick caterpillars or allow them to mature if butterfly conservation is desired. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray if infestation is severe. Plant extra parsley to share with caterpillars.
Spray with strong water spray to dislodge. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Increase humidity around plants. Maintain adequate watering.
Spray with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or strong water spray. Encourage beneficial insects. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Improve air circulation.
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use slug barriers or copper tape. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants. Remove plant debris where they hide.

Uses

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Fresh Garnish & Cooking

Culinary

Extra Curled Parsley is the quintessential culinary herb, used fresh as a garnish on soups, salads, and main dishes, or chopped into sauces, dressings, and cooked dishes. Its mild, slightly grassy flavor complements virtually any savory cuisine. [source]

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Digestive Aid & Antioxidant

Medicinal

Parsley contains high levels of vitamins K, C, and A, along with beneficial antioxidants and volatile oils. Traditionally used to support digestion, reduce bloating, and promote kidney health. [source]

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Pesto & Herbal Oils

Culinary

Fresh parsley leaves can be blended into vibrant green pesto, herbal oils, and compound butters for enhanced flavor in pasta, grilled meats, and vegetables. [source]

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Natural Deodorizer & Breath Freshener

Household

Parsley's chlorophyll and aromatic compounds naturally neutralize odors, making it effective as a breath freshener when chewed fresh, especially after eating garlic or onions. [source]

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Butterfly Host Plant

Wildlife

Extra Curled Parsley is a host plant for Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, making it valuable for supporting pollinators and beneficial insects in the garden ecosystem. [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 once plant is 6-8 inches tall, typically 70-90 days after planting. Pinch or cut from the outside inward, leaving the central growing point intact. Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering. In the first year, harvest only what you need to allow the plant to establish. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and freshness. Leaves are most tender and flavorful before the plant bolts.

Fun Facts

🌱 Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate and have a reputation for taking so long that gardeners joke the seeds go to hell and back before sprouting—soaking seeds overnight significantly improves germination rates.
🌱 The Ancient Greeks wore parsley wreaths as crowns and used it in funeral rites, believing it could purify the soul; Romans used it to mask the odor of decomposing meat before refrigeration.
🌱 Extra Curled Parsley's decorative ruffled leaves are so ornamental that it's often grown in ornamental gardens purely for visual appeal, yet remains fully edible and flavorful.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Biennial Bolt Full Sun Germination Mulch Partial Shade True Leaves

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