How to Grow Forest Green Parsley
Wikimedia Commons
Forest Green Parsley
Petroselinum crispum var. crispum 'Forest Green'
herbForest Green is a curly-leafed parsley variety prized for its densely ruffled, dark green foliage and robust flavor. It's a biennial herb commonly grown as an annual for its nutritious leaves, which are used fresh or dried in cooking. This variety is particularly cold-hardy and maintains vibrant color throughout the season.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Forest Green Parsley in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Forest Green Parsley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Forest Green Parsley
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Forest Green Parsley
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Forest Green Parsley dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best as cool-season annual in warmer zones
Sign up free to see if Forest Green Parsley grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Forest Green Parsley timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
2-3 weeksSeeds are slow to germinate, producing first tiny cotyledons with a pale appearance
Maintain consistent soil moisture and warmth (60-70°F optimal); germination takes 2-3 weeks; soak seeds 24 hours before planting to speed germination
Seedling
2-3 weeksTrue leaves emerge showing the characteristic curly parsley pattern; plants develop 2-3 sets of leaves
Thin seedlings to 6-inch spacing; provide bright light to prevent legginess; maintain even moisture; keep soil at 65-70°F
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops dense, bushy mounds of deeply ruffled dark green foliage; no flowering occurs when harvested regularly
Pinch out central stems to encourage bushier growth; harvest outer leaves regularly to promote productivity; feed with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks; mulch to retain moisture
Mature Harvest
6-12 weeks (as long as kept from bolting)Plant reaches full size with abundant, full-colored curly leaves ready for continuous harvesting
Harvest regularly from the outside inward; this stimulates new growth and prevents flowering; water during dry spells; monitor for pests weekly
Bolting (Secondary Year)
4-6 weeksIf allowed to overwinter or in cool spring conditions, plant sends up flowering stems with tiny yellowish-green flowers
Pinch off flower buds if foliage harvest is desired; allow flowering if seed collection is the goal; foliage becomes bitter after bolting begins
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick caterpillars; allow some foliage loss as these become beautiful butterflies; use row covers to prevent egg-laying; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if heavy infestation
-
Spray with strong water jet to dislodge; increase humidity; use insecticidal soap; neem oil for severe infestations
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; neem oil; introduce parasitic wasps
-
Spray with water; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; insecticidal soap; neem oil for heavy infestations
-
and
Hand-pick at dawn/dusk; copper barriers; beer traps; diatomaceous earth; remove garden debris
Uses
Fresh and Cooked Seasoning
CulinaryForest Green parsley is prized in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines for its robust, slightly peppery flavor. Use fresh in salads, soups, stews, sauces (especially chimichurri and gremolata), and as garnish for virtually any savory dish. [source]
Nutritional Superfood
CulinaryParsley is exceptionally rich in vitamins K, C, and A, plus minerals like iron, calcium, and manganese. Fresh parsley contains antioxidants and volatile oils that support digestive health and overall wellness. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalParsley has been used in traditional medicine to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and act as a natural diuretic. Parsley tea may help freshen breath and support kidney function. [source]
Natural Breath Freshener
HouseholdEating fresh parsley or drinking parsley tea is a natural way to neutralize mouth odors from garlic and onions. The chlorophyll content acts as a natural deodorant. [source]
Pollinator and Butterfly Host Plant
WildlifeParsley flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. It serves as the larval host plant for Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, making it valuable for supporting local pollinator populations. [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 has at least 6 leaves (usually 6-8 weeks); pinch or cut leaves at the base of stems; never remove more than 1/3 of the plant at once; harvest regularly (every 1-2 weeks) to prevent flowering and encourage bushiness; for storage, harvest in the morning after dew dries; continue harvesting through fall until frost; in mild climates, may produce through winter
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate because they contain germination inhibitors in their seed coat; soaking seeds or wrapping them in damp paper for a week significantly speeds up sprouting.
- 🌱 In ancient Greek and Roman culture, parsley was associated with death and celebration, often used to crown victors and honor the deceased; it became a symbol of festivity in medieval Europe.
- 🌱 Forest Green parsley's deeply ruffled curly leaves aren't just ornamental—the increased surface area helps the plant absorb more sunlight and store more nutrients compared to flat-leafed Italian parsley.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Forest Green Parsley planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Forest Green Parsley seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Forest Green Parsley timeline →