parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 11
Flowers:
Greenish-yellow Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Well-drained
Fruits:
Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) should be watered on a regular basis to ensure that the soil is evenly moist. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure that the soil drains well. If standing water pools on the soil surface, the plant’s roots may rot. Give parsley about an inch of water every week, providing more during periods of extreme heat. Allow the soil to become slightly dry between waterings.
sunlight
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a plant that requires an abundance of sunlight to thrive. It prefers around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably during the mid-day hours when the sun is at its strongest. When grown outdoors, parsley should be planted in a spot that gets direct sunlight for at least a few hours each day, and late afternoon shade to prevent wilting. If grown indoors, parsley should be placed near a south- or west-facing window to get the best sunlight exposure.
pruning
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) should be pruned after its flowering period. Prune back the stems of parsley by about 1-third to 1-half their original size. This encourages new growth and higher yields of leaves. It is best to prune parsley in the spring or early summer. Remove dead or discolored leaves and stems, plus any yellowed flower stalks after they have finished flowering. It is also beneficial to divide established plants in spring or fall by carefully dividing the roots and replanting in a new location.
FAQ
Is parsley a biennial plant?
Yes, parsley is a biennial plant. Biennial plants take two growing seasons, or one year, to go through their life cycle. During the first year, they typically grow a rosette of leaves, while in the second they produce flowers and seeds and may die. Parsley is typically planted in the spring and grows as a rosette of leaves throughout the summer. During its second season, it produces clusters of small, bright flowers and yellow-green seeds, after which it dies.
Can parsley grow indoors?
Yes, parsley can be grown indoors. To get started, it's best to buy a seed packet of parsley or pick up a small herb plant at your local nursery. Once home, you should place the parsley in a sunny spot as it does best in intense light. You'll need to also remember to water it regularly to keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. You'll also need to fertilize the parsley every month or so to keep it looking healthy and green. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, homegrown parsley.
Is parsley a good plant for a butterfly garden?
Yes, parsley is an excellent plant for a butterfly garden! Its umbrella shape and leaves provide an ideal platform for butterflies to rest, nectar on, and even lay eggs if you have female butterflies in the area. Parsley also provides great food for caterpillars, so it can act as a great source of sustenance for them as well. Planting a few bunches of parsley in your flower bed or in a container can be a great way to attract and sustain butterfly populations.
Is parsley easy to grow from seed?
Yes, parsley is easy to grow from seed. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, although it does tolerate a bit of light shade. Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and in 7–14 days, the seeds should begin to germinate. Young parsley plants should be thinned to 4–6 inches apart once they have their first set of true leaves. The entire germination and growing process should take about 65 to 90 days.
