How to Grow Versailles Parsley
Versailles Parsley
Petroselinum crispum 'Versailles'
herbVersailles parsley is a flat-leaf (Italian) parsley variety prized for its robust flavor and attractive, deeply cut foliage. It grows as a biennial herb with finely textured, dark green leaves that are more flavorful than curly parsley varieties. This cultivar is particularly popular for culinary use and ornamental garden borders.
When should you plant Versailles Parsley in your zone?
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Example Versailles Parsley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Versailles 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 Versailles Parsley
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Versailles Parsley dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best in cooler climates (zones 4-7)
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Get my Versailles Parsley timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate slowly, developing a fine taproot. First cotyledons emerge 2-3 weeks after sowing.
Keep soil consistently moist. Germination is slow (14-21 days); be patient. Soak seeds 24 hours before sowing to speed germination. Maintain 65-70°F soil temperature.
Seedling
3-4 weeksThin, delicate seedlings with first true leaves emerging. Plants develop their characteristic flat-leaf form.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing when they have 2-3 true leaves. Handle carefully as seedlings are fragile. Provide bright light and protect from wind.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant establishes strong root system and develops multiple stems with deeply cut, dark green foliage. Bushy growth with characteristic flat leaves.
Water consistently and maintain even moisture. Pinch back flower buds if they appear to encourage leaf production. Side-dress with compost every 4-6 weeks. Keep weed-free.
Harvesting & Leaf Production
4-6 months (or longer for overwintering plants)Mature plant with abundant harvestable leaves. In year two, may begin flowering and setting seeds.
Begin harvesting outer stems when plant has 6-8 leaves. Regular harvesting promotes bushier growth. Remove flower buds to extend leaf production. In second year, allow some plants to bolt for seed production if desired.
Flowering & Seed Set (Year 2)
6-8 weeksPlant produces tall flowering stems with small yellow-green flower clusters followed by seed formation.
If saving seeds, allow flowers to mature fully and seed heads to dry on plant. Collect seed heads when brown and papery. Otherwise, remove flower buds to maintain leaf production.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick caterpillars or allow predatory insects to feed on them. Use row covers on young plants. Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if infestation is severe.
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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; mist foliage regularly. Use neem oil or miticide if necessary. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Remove and destroy affected leaves. Use row covers to prevent adult females from laying eggs. Spinosad may be used as a last resort.
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and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Use copper tape barriers around containers. Create a beer trap or apply diatomaceous earth.
Uses
Fresh Cooking & Garnish
CulinaryVersailles parsley is a staple in European cuisine, used fresh in salads, soups, stews, and sauces. Its robust, slightly bitter flavor makes it superior to curly parsley for cooking applications, particularly in Italian, French, and Mediterranean dishes. [source]
Herb Blends & Preserved Preparations
CulinaryUsed in herb blends like fines herbes and herbes de Provence. Excellent for making parsley butter, drying for winter use, or freezing in oil for long-term storage. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalParsley is traditionally used as a digestive aid and contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in vitamins K, C, and A, as well as minerals like iron and folate. [source]
Natural Deodorizer & Breath Freshener
HouseholdContains chlorophyll which naturally neutralizes odors. Chewing fresh parsley after meals helps freshen breath and aid digestion. [source]
Butterfly Larval Host Plant
WildlifeEssential host plant for swallowtail butterfly caterpillars (Papilio species). Growing parsley helps support pollinator populations 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 when plant has 6-8 inches of growth (typically 70-90 days). Pinch or cut outer stems at the base; inner leaves will continue growing. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering. Cut stems in morning after dew dries for best flavor. Can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season and into fall/winter in mild climates. For best flavor, harvest before plant flowers. Seeds mature in second year; allow some seed heads to dry on plant if saving seed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Versailles parsley was historically grown in the grand gardens of the Palace of Versailles in France, which is the origin of its cultivar name.
- 🌱 Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate because they contain germination inhibitors; soaking seeds overnight can reduce germination time by several days.
- 🌱 In ancient Greece, parsley was associated with death and funerals, while in medieval times it became valued for its culinary and medicinal properties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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