Comments
Herb Garden Essentials: Grow Your Own Parsley
Mere garnish no more, parsley comes in flavorful and interesting varieties to decorate the garden and jazz up your cooking
Marianne Lipanovich
1 January 2000
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find me writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects... More
Parsley is making its way from the forgotten garnish to a necessary part of an herb garden. Not only have cooks discovered the flavorful flat-leaf Italian parsley and interesting varieties of the curly-leaf French types, but gardeners have found that the plant is a decorative annual for filling in spaces in pots or edging a garden bed.
Though parsley is technically a biennial, treat it as an annual. It’s a good summer crop in colder winter climates and a year-round favorite in warm-winter zones, though too much heat may do it in. Different varieties are becoming much more readily available, and you can grow them from seeds or plants.
Though parsley is technically a biennial, treat it as an annual. It’s a good summer crop in colder winter climates and a year-round favorite in warm-winter zones, though too much heat may do it in. Different varieties are becoming much more readily available, and you can grow them from seeds or plants.
Light requirement: Sun to partial shade
Water requirement: Regular
Prime growing season: Spring through fall; year-round in warm-winter climates
When to plant: Fall or early spring in warm-winter climates; after the last frost date in spring in colder climates
Favorites: Dark Green Italian, Gigante d’Italia (Giant Italian), Single Italian, Titan (flat leaf); Extra Curled, Favorit, Forest Green, Moss Curled, Triple Cured (curly leaf)
Water requirement: Regular
Prime growing season: Spring through fall; year-round in warm-winter climates
When to plant: Fall or early spring in warm-winter climates; after the last frost date in spring in colder climates
Favorites: Dark Green Italian, Gigante d’Italia (Giant Italian), Single Italian, Titan (flat leaf); Extra Curled, Favorit, Forest Green, Moss Curled, Triple Cured (curly leaf)
Planting and care: Choose a site with loose, well-amended soil in full sun to partial shade. If summers are hot, you may need to provide afternoon shade.
If you're planting seeds, soak them for 24 hours. Plant them ¼ inch deep and ½ inch apart, then thin to 6 inches apart for curly varieties and up to 18 inches apart for flat-leaf types.
Parsley can be very slow to germinate, so you might want to start with seedlings (this way you can taste test before buying as well). Set out plants about 6 to18 inches apart, depending on variety.
You can also grow parsley in containers indoors or out. Containers can even be small enough to fit on a windowsill. Chose a container at least 6 to 8 inches deep for curly parsley and 10 to 12 inches deep for flat-leaf varieties.
Feed in spring with a complete fertilizer and midseason with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, especially if the plants are yellowing. Water regularly so the soil is evenly moist.
Sow successively for a longer harvest.
Harvest: Once the plant reaches about 6 to 8 inches tall, snip or clip the outside sprigs to harvest. Parsley freezes well but doesn’t take to drying.
If you're planting seeds, soak them for 24 hours. Plant them ¼ inch deep and ½ inch apart, then thin to 6 inches apart for curly varieties and up to 18 inches apart for flat-leaf types.
Parsley can be very slow to germinate, so you might want to start with seedlings (this way you can taste test before buying as well). Set out plants about 6 to18 inches apart, depending on variety.
You can also grow parsley in containers indoors or out. Containers can even be small enough to fit on a windowsill. Chose a container at least 6 to 8 inches deep for curly parsley and 10 to 12 inches deep for flat-leaf varieties.
Feed in spring with a complete fertilizer and midseason with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, especially if the plants are yellowing. Water regularly so the soil is evenly moist.
Sow successively for a longer harvest.
Harvest: Once the plant reaches about 6 to 8 inches tall, snip or clip the outside sprigs to harvest. Parsley freezes well but doesn’t take to drying.
Related Stories
Kitchen Guides
10 Key Kitchen Dimensions You Need to Know
Here are key kitchen dimensions that will help you design like a pro
Full Story
More Room Guides
35 Serene Puja Room Designs
Take a leaf out of these elegantly designed, beautiful prayer rooms on Houzz
Full Story
Decorating Guides
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer?
From furnishing working drawings to beautifying the home, find out how an interior designer plays multifunctional roles
Full Story
More Room Guides
Turn One Room Into Two With These Genius Ideas
Carve out an extra room within your home with these fab room-splitting tips and tricks
Full Story
Bedroom Guides
What Are the Ideal Wardrobe Measurements?
Here are dimensions for different types of wardrobe designs that ensure maximum functionality and storage
Full Story
Architecture
These Indian Homes Know How To Combat Harsh Climate
See how these homes by SPASM, Kumar Moorthy & Associates and JPLUSDARCHITECTS mitigate the ramifications of harsh climate ahead of time
Full Story
Architecture
How to Find an Architect That's Right for You
Make the construction and renovation of your home a pleasant and memorable journey by selecting the right architect
Full Story
Bathroom Guides
Step-by-Step: A Guide to Renovating Your Bathroom
Planning to renovate your bathroom? Learn about the different stages involved in the remodelling process
Full Story
Living Rooms
30 Best Sofa Designs
This guide gives a rundown of sofa types that will leave you spoilt for choices
Full Story
Small Spaces
7 Stylish Ways to Dry Your Laundry In a Small Apartment
Has your drying rack become a perpetual eyesore in your home? These dapper laundry drying solutions have you covered
Full Story