Petroselinum crispum
Also known as: Garden Parsley, Common Parsley, Curly Parsley, Italian Parsley
Sun Requirements
partial shade
Water Needs
moderate
Growing Zones
2-11
Days to Harvest
70 days
Planting Depth
1/4 inch
Spacing
6-8 inches
Parsley is one of the world's most popular culinary herbs, prized for its fresh, bright flavor and versatility in cooking. This nutrient-rich herb comes in two main varieties: curly parsley with its decorative ruffled leaves, and flat-leaf (Italian) parsley known for its stronger flavor and easier chopping. While technically a biennial, parsley is usually grown as an annual since it goes to seed in its second year. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants, parsley adds both nutrition and flavor to countless dishes. In the garden, parsley serves double duty as both a culinary herb and a beneficial companion plant that attracts predatory insects while its deep taproot helps break up compacted soil. Despite its reputation for slow germination, parsley is easy to grow once established and will produce fresh leaves from spring through fall, even tolerating light frosts.
Complete instructions from seed to harvest
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Growing parsley successfully starts with understanding its unique germination requirements and preference for cool weather. This herb is notorious for slow germination, often taking 2-4 weeks to sprout, but patience is rewarded with a hardy, productive plant. Parsley thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, moist soil with good drainage. While it grows best in cool spring and fall weather, established plants tolerate summer heat if kept well-watered. As a biennial, parsley produces leaves the first year and flowers the second, though most gardeners treat it as an annual. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and prevents early bolting. Both curly and flat-leaf varieties grow equally well, with flat-leaf generally preferred for cooking due to its stronger flavor.
Start parsley from seed 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost, or direct sow 2-3 weeks before the last frost when soil can be worked. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to speed germination. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart, or broadcast in beds. Seeds germinate best at 50-70°F (10-21°C) and may take 14-28 days to emerge. For faster results, freeze seeds for a week before planting, or pour boiling water over the planted bed to break seed dormancy. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart when they have two sets of true leaves. Transplant nursery starts after hardening off, spacing them 6-8 inches apart. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. Parsley grows well in containers at least 8 inches deep.
Keep parsley consistently moist but not waterlogged, providing about 1 inch of water weekly through drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Feed monthly with diluted liquid fertilizer or side-dress with compost. Harvest outer leaves regularly once plants reach 6 inches tall, cutting stems at the base to encourage new growth from the center. Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once. Remove flower stalks immediately if they appear in the first year to maintain leaf production. In late fall, harvest heavily before hard freezes, or pot up plants to bring indoors. Parsley often self-sows if allowed to flower in the second year. Watch for parsleyworms (swallowtail butterfly caterpillars) and relocate them rather than killing these beneficial pollinators.
Discover which plants work best together to create a thriving, natural garden ecosystem
Parsley is an excellent companion plant that attracts beneficial insects while improving the health of neighboring plants. Its flowers are particularly attractive to hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control aphids and other pests. The deep taproot helps break up soil and bring nutrients to the surface, benefiting shallow-rooted neighbors.
Solanum lycopersicum
Attracts hoverflies that prey on aphids and improves tomato vigor
Benefits: Improves rose health and fragrance while deterring aphids
Benefits: Repels asparagus beetles and adds nutrients to soil
Benefits: Attracts beneficial insects and provides ground cover
Benefits: Both herbs benefit from similar growing conditions and deter pests
Avoid because: Can cause lettuce to bolt prematurely in warm weather
Avoid because: Mint's aggressive growth can overwhelm parsley
Explore our detailed guides above for everything you need to know about growing healthy, productive parsley plants.
