Parsley Growing Guide

Petroselinum crispum

Parsley

Crop Rotation Group

Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family) 

Soil

Any average, well drained soil enriched with compost.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Hardy only to about 10 degrees F, though winter mulches or cloches can enhance cold tolerance. Where winters are mild, parsley can be sown in fall and grown through winter.

Feeding

Drench plants with a water soluble organic plant food monthly.

Spacing

Single Plants: 5" (15cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3" (10cm) with 9" (25cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow seeds in early spring, and keep moist. Parsley germinates slowly. Or, start with young purchased plants. Take care not to disturb the roots when transplanting parsley.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Try both curled and flat-leafed or Italian parsley, which has stronger flavour. Plants that survive winter will bloom first thing in spring.

Harvesting

Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying in early summer.

Troubleshooting

Colorful parsleyworms sometimes eat parsley leaves. Root rot is common in elderly, winter-weary plants.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

< Back to All Plants

Pests which Affect Parsley

Plant Diseases which Affect Parsley