How to Grow Parsley

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

herb

Parsley is a biennial herb prized for its nutritious, flavorful leaves used in culinary applications worldwide. It comes in two main types: curly-leaf (decorative, mild flavor) and flat-leaf or Italian (stronger flavor, more tender). Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, parsley is a versatile kitchen staple that's relatively easy to grow.

Looking for a specific variety?

Italian Curly Hamburg Giant of Italy Forest Green

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Partial shade to full sun; tolerates 3-6 hours of sun, prefers afternoon shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water 1-2 inches per week; increase during dry spells and hot weather

📏

Spacing: 6 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 70-90 days from seed

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25 inches; seeds are tiny and should be surface-sown or barely covered

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Well-rotted manure Peat moss Aged leaf mold

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; grows year-round in mild climates, best as cool-season crop in hot regions

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

Growth Stages

Germination

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerging from soil; cotyledons (first leaves) appear pale green

Keep soil evenly moist; maintain 65-75°F; parsley germinates slowly (10-21 days), be patient; provide bright, indirect light

Seedling

3-4 weeks

First true leaves developing; small rosette forming with distinctive parsley leaf shape

Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart; ensure good air circulation to prevent damping off; maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Bushy plant developing multiple stems with deeply lobed leaves; robust, spreading foliage

Thin to final spacing of 6 inches; pinch center stem to encourage bushier growth; fertilize every 3-4 weeks; mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature

Mature Production

4-12 weeks or longer

Full-sized plant with abundant, dark green foliage ready for regular harvesting

Begin harvesting outer stems once plant has 6-8 leaves; continue regular harvesting to promote bushiness; remove flower buds if growing as annual; water deeply during dry periods

Flowering (Year 2)

2-4 weeks until seed maturity

Tall flowering stalk emerges with small white or greenish flowers; plant becomes bitter

If growing as biennial, allow flowering for seed production; if annual cultivation, remove flowers to prolong leaf harvest; plant will decline after flowering

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Tomato Asparagus Carrot Onion Garlic Lettuce Spinach Basil Rosemary

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Cilantro (same family, may cross-pollinate)

Common Pests

Hand-pick caterpillars; allow some damage as they become beautiful butterflies; neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
Spray with strong water jet; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Increase humidity; spray with water; neem oil; horticultural oil in severe cases
and
Hand-pick, especially at dawn/dusk; beer traps; copper tape barriers; diatomaceous earth around base
Remove affected leaves; floating row covers; spinosad; encourage parasitic wasps

Uses

🍳

Garnish & Fresh Cooking

Culinary

Parsley's fresh, slightly peppery flavor enhances soups, salads, fish, poultry, and vegetable dishes. It's a classic component of bouquet garni, chimichurri, and European cuisine, adding color and mild herbaceous taste. [source]

🍳

Nutritional Powerhouse

Culinary

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus minerals like iron and calcium; supports immune function and bone health. Often used as a nutritional supplement in green smoothies and fresh juices. [source]

💊

Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support

Medicinal

Traditionally used in herbal medicine to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Parsley tea or infusion may help freshen breath and support urinary health. [source]

🏠

Natural Breath Freshener

Household

Chewing fresh parsley neutralizes odors from garlic and onions due to its chlorophyll content. Commonly used as a natural breath mint in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. [source]

🎨

Drying & Preservation

Craft

Parsley dries well for long-term storage and retains flavor when properly dried; commonly used in dried herb blends, seasoning mixes, and herbal teas. [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 when plant has 6-8 leaves (typically 60-90 days); pinch outer stems first, working toward center; harvest in morning after dew dries for best flavor; regular harvesting encourages bushier growth; never remove more than 1/3 of plant at once; in first year, may continue harvesting through fall and winter in mild climates; freeze, dry, or refrigerate in water-filled jar for storage

Fun Facts

🌱 Parsley seeds can take 2-3 weeks to germinate because they contain germination inhibitors; soaking seeds overnight in warm water or freezing them can speed germination.
🌱 The Black Swallowtail butterfly caterpillar feeds exclusively on parsley, fennel, and dill; many gardeners welcome these colorful caterpillars as beneficial insects.
🌱 Parsley is biennial, meaning it produces leaves the first year and flowers/seeds the second year; most people grow it as an annual for continuous leafy harvests.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free