How to Grow Parsley, Crested
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Parsley, Crested
Petroselinum crispum var. crispum
herbCrested parsley is a curly-leafed variety of parsley prized for its ornamental, deeply frilled foliage and mild, fresh flavor. The densely ruffled leaves make it as attractive in garden beds as it is useful in the kitchen. This biennial herb is cold-hardy and productive over a long season.
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Example Parsley, Crested timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Parsley, Crested
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 Parsley, Crested
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best in cool to moderate climates (zones 5-8)
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Germination
14-21 daysSeeds are slow to sprout, producing initial tiny seedlings with simple, undivided leaves
Keep soil consistently moist. Germination takes 2-3 weeks; be patient and don't assume failure early. Use warm water to soak seeds 24 hours before planting to speed germination.
Seedling
3-4 weeksFirst true leaves emerge; seedlings develop simple, then progressively more divided foliage. Growth is slow.
Thin seedlings to 3 inches apart. Provide consistent moisture and indirect light. Keep soil temperature around 60-70°F. Protect from strong wind.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops characteristic crested, deeply ruffled leaves on sturdy stems. Foliage becomes dense and bushy.
Maintain even moisture. Begin light harvesting (pinch outer leaves) once plant has 6-8 leaves to encourage branching. Remove any flower buds to prolong leaf production.
Mature Leaf Production
8-16 weeks (until bolting or frost)Plant reaches full size with abundant, vibrant green, heavily crimped foliage forming a dense mound
Harvest outer leaves regularly to maintain productivity and shape. Continue to remove flower buds in the first year. Water and fertilize with balanced NPK every 3-4 weeks.
Flowering (Second Year or Late Season)
Varies; typically late spring to summer of second yearPlant sends up tall flower stems with small yellow-green flowers in umbel clusters; foliage becomes bitter and less tender
Once flowering begins, leaf quality declines. Allow plants to flower for seed production if desired, or pull and replant with fresh seed. Deadhead to extend leaf harvest slightly.
Common Pests
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Handpick caterpillars or allow them to feed on a portion of the plant (they're beneficial). Use netting to exclude adults. Spinosad spray if infestation is severe.
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Use row covers to exclude adults in spring. Rotate crop location yearly. Remove affected plant material. Apply kaolin clay spray or neem oil.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Strong water spray to dislodge mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap spray. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Strong spray of water to remove. Insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Avoid wetting foliage. Baking soda spray (1 tbsp per gallon water) or sulfur dust. Remove infected leaves.
Uses
Fresh herb garnish and cooking
CulinaryCrested parsley is widely used as a fresh herb in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines. Its mild flavor complements soups, stews, salads, sauces (like chimichurri), and fish dishes. The crisp, ruffled leaves also serve as an attractive garnish. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy and digestive support
MedicinalParsley has long been used in traditional medicine to support digestion, reduce bloating, and freshen breath. It contains volatile oils and antioxidants believed to have mild diuretic properties. [source]
Natural breath freshener and food flavoring
HouseholdFresh parsley leaves are traditionally chewed after meals to freshen breath due to their chlorophyll content. The herb is also used as a natural flavoring in compound butters, salts, and vinegars. [source]
Ornamental garden accent
CraftThe deeply crested, lacy foliage makes Crested parsley exceptionally attractive as an ornamental border plant or container specimen. Its fine texture and bright green color contrast beautifully with other plants. [source]
Pollinator and butterfly host plant
WildlifeParsley flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The plant is also a larval host for the Black Swallowtail butterfly, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. [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 stems once plant has 6-8 true leaves (about 30 days after transplanting). Pinch off stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Harvest regularly and frequently to maintain tender, flavorful growth and delay bolting. Morning harvesting yields the highest essential oil content. In mild climates, continue harvesting through fall and even winter. First-year plants are more tender and flavorful than second-year plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Parsley is biennial, meaning it produces leafy growth in the first year and flowers/seeds in the second year. In cool climates, you can sometimes harvest from the same plant into the second season before it bolts.
- 🌱 Crested parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate (2-3 weeks) because they contain inhibitory compounds. Ancient gardeners believed parsley seeds traveled to the devil and back before sprouting—soaking seeds or starting indoors can speed germination.
- 🌱 The Black Swallowtail butterfly relies almost exclusively on plants in the Apiaceae family (parsley, dill, fennel, carrot) for its caterpillars. Many gardeners intentionally grow parsley to support these beautiful native butterflies, even though the caterpillars will eat some foliage.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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