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PLANT TYPE: Biennial – Grown mainly as an Annual SCIENTIFIC NAME: Petroselinum crispum ZONE / HARDINESS: Biennial 3 to 9 – overwinter success is marginal in harder zones MATURE PLANT SIZE: 9 to 18 inches high x 8 to 16 inches wide LIGHT: Full Sun FLOWERING PERIOD: June to August SOIL TYPE: Average to rich, moist soil pH RANGE: 5.0 to 7.0 KNOWN PESTS: Carrot weevils, parsley worms, and nematodes KNOWN DISEASES: Crown rot |
OVERVIEW:
Parsley is hardy and easily grown in most climates. It is popular because of its much-divided, sometimes curly leaves which have a characteristic flavor and smell.
Parsley is one of the most familiar of all herbs and is used for both garnishing and flavoring. It is relatively high in vitamins A and C and iron.
Parsley is a biennial, and will overwinter, but it is mostly grown as an annual. Can be slow in germination, doing best in warm, moist soil, with pH of 5.0 to 7.0. Soaking seed in lukewarm water for several hours before sowing is beneficial; some advocate use of boiling water, or freezing seed for a short time. Sow indoors, from late winter to early spring and outdoors in early spring, before last frost. Ensure constant moisture until after germination (may take 3 weeks or more). Thin or space plants at 6 inches apart. Harvest as needed, beginning with large, outer leaves.
PROPAGATION / SOWING:
Sow seeds outside in spring. Place seeds in drills 1/2 inch deep and cover with soil. Thin to about 3 inches apart. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Soaking seed in lukewarm water for several hours before sowing is beneficial; or freezing seed for a short time. Sow indoors, from late winter to early spring and outdoors in early spring, before last frost.
COMPANION PLANTING:
Parsley helps the growth of roses and tomatoes.
CARE & GROWING:
Can be slow in germination, doing best in warm, moist soil, with pH of 5.0 to 7.0. Soaking seed in lukewarm water for several hours before sowing is beneficial; some advocate use of boiling water, or freezing seed for a short time. Sow indoors, from late winter to early spring and outdoors in early spring, before last frost. Ensure constant moisture until after germination (may take 3 weeks or more). Thin or space plants at 6 inches apart.
HARVESTING:
Harvest as needed, beginning with large, outer leaves – allowing younger inner leaves to grow.
USAGE:
Cosmetic, culinary, decorative, and medicinal. Parsley is added to bath water to sooth and cleanse. It also is used in shampoo, perfume, soap, and lotion. It flavors sautes, grilled meat, poultry, soups, and salads. It may be used in herbal butters and vinegars or as a garnish. Parsley can be used to make golden green or yellow dyes. It also can be grown in containers. It is said to have some medicinal qualities.