How to Grow Parsley

Overview

Parsley is one of the most useful herbs in the kitchen, available in flat-leaf (French) and curly-leaf varieties. It is a biennial, producing leaves in its first year and flowering in its second. Both types are easy to grow in home gardens and containers, providing fresh leaves from spring to late autumn with successional sowing.

Health Benefits

One of the richest sources of Vitamin K: Just a small sprig of parsley provides a significant portion of your daily Vitamin K needs, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

Vitamin C and folate: Parsley is rich in Vitamin C for immune support and folate for healthy cell division, making it far more than just a garnish.

Apigenin antioxidant: Parsley contains apigenin, a flavonoid antioxidant that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and calming effects.

Soil Preparation

Parsley grows best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Dig in well-rotted compost before sowing. The ideal pH is 6.0 to 7.0. Parsley grows well in containers, window boxes, and herb planters, making it accessible for gardeners with limited space.

Sowing & Planting

Sow seeds directly outdoors from March to July in drills 1cm deep, spacing rows 25cm apart. Germination is notoriously slow, taking 3-6 weeks, so be patient. Soaking seeds in warm water overnight before sowing can speed things up. Thin seedlings to 15cm apart. For earlier crops, sow indoors in February and transplant after hardening off.

Care & Maintenance

Water regularly, especially during dry periods, as parsley needs consistent moisture. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage lush leaf growth. Cut off any flower stems that appear in the second year to prolong leaf production, though flowering is inevitable as a biennial. Protect late-season plants with cloches for winter picking.

Harvesting

Pick outer stalks as needed from about 8-10 weeks after sowing, cutting at the base of the stem rather than pinching off individual leaves. Regular harvesting encourages new growth from the centre. Flat-leaf parsley has a stronger flavour and is preferred for cooking, while curly parsley makes an attractive garnish.

Common Problems

Slow germination is normal for parsley. Pre-soak seeds and keep the soil moist during the germination period.

Carrot fly can attack parsley, which belongs to the same family. Cover with fine mesh if this is a problem in your area.

Leaf spot causes brown spots on foliage in wet conditions. Improve air circulation and remove affected leaves.

Companion Planting

Parsley is a good companion for tomatoes and carrots, attracting beneficial insects such as hoverflies that feed on aphids. Parsley has no significant plants to avoid.