How to Grow Triple Curled Parsley
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Triple Curled Parsley
Petroselinum crispum var. crispum
herbTriple Curled Parsley is a densely leafed herb with tightly crimped, decorative foliage that forms compact mounds of bright green leaves. It is one of the most popular culinary parsley varieties, prized for its ornamental appearance and mild, fresh flavor. The triple-curled leaves are excellent for garnishing, cooking, and fresh use.
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Example Triple Curled Parsley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Triple 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 Triple Curled Parsley
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; grown as a cool-season herb in warmer regions
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Get my Triple Curled Parsley timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
2-3 weeksSeeds are slow to germinate, producing tiny seedlings with thread-like cotyledons. First true leaves are deeply indented but not yet fully curled.
Soak seeds 24 hours before planting to speed germination. Maintain soil moisture and temperatures of 60-70°F. Germination takes 2-3 weeks; be patient. Keep soil warm and consistently moist.
Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop their first set of true leaves with slight curling. The plant is small and delicate with minimal foliage.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing when 2-3 inches tall. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Begin light fertilizing with dilute balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksThe plant expands rapidly, producing increasingly curled leaves arranged in a dense, bushy mound. Foliage becomes thick and ornamentally attractive.
Water consistently and deeply. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote leaf growth. Pinch off flower stalks to encourage leaf production. Mulch to conserve moisture.
Flowering
Throughout summer if allowed to flowerTall flower stalks emerge from the center of the plant, producing small yellow-green flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters (umbels). The plant's energy shifts to seed production.
Pinch off flower stalks promptly to prolong leaf production and maintain plant vigor. If you want seeds for future planting, allow a few flowers to mature but remove most to keep plant productive.
Harvest Ready
Ongoing, 2-3 months or longerThe plant has reached full size with abundant triple-curled foliage. Leaves are at peak flavor and appearance, densely covering the mound.
Begin regular harvesting to encourage branching and bushier growth. Harvest outer leaves first. Regular cutting extends the plant's productive life. Continue to remove any flower stalks.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars if desired (they produce beautiful butterflies), or remove affected foliage. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for heavy infestations. Accept some damage as part of supporting pollinators.
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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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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Use miticide or insecticidal soap. Ensure adequate watering to reduce plant stress.
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Handpick, especially at night. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Remove garden debris that provides hiding spots.
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Improve air circulation around plants. Water at soil level, not overhead. Remove affected leaves. Use fungicide if severe.
Uses
Garnish and Fresh Cooking
CulinaryTriple Curled Parsley's beautiful crimped foliage makes it the classic garnish for plated dishes. The mild, fresh green flavor complements soups, salads, sauces, and cooked vegetables without overpowering other ingredients. [source]
Sauces and Chimichurri
CulinaryFresh parsley is a key ingredient in salsa verde, chimichurri, persillade, and herbed butter. Its delicate flavor allows it to blend well with other herbs while providing nutritional depth. [source]
Nutritional and Digestive Support
MedicinalParsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like iron and calcium. It has traditionally been used to support digestive health and as a natural diuretic. [source]
Natural Deodorizer
HouseholdEating fresh parsley or parsley tea may help freshen breath and reduce odors from foods like garlic and onions due to its chlorophyll content. [source]
Butterfly Host Plant
WildlifeParsley is the larval host plant for Black Swallowtail butterflies. Allowing some caterpillars to feed supports pollinator populations and increases butterfly numbers in the garden. [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 the plant is 6-8 inches tall, about 70-90 days after planting. Pinch off the outermost stems at the base to encourage bushy, branching growth. Regular harvesting stimulates more leaf production. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and moisture content. Can be harvested continuously throughout the season until frost or flowering; cut back the entire plant to 2-3 inches above soil for regrowth. In mild climates, winter harvest is possible.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Triple Curled Parsley can take up to 3 weeks to germinate from seed due to its naturally dormant seed coat; soaking seeds overnight can cut germination time in half.
- 🌱 The parsley plant was sacred to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it extensively in cooking and wreaths; they believed it symbolized festivity and joy.
- 🌱 If allowed to flower in the second year, parsley will self-seed readily in the garden, making it a quasi-perennial if you leave spent flowers to mature.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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