Growing Parsley

Introduction

The plant was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans who were very aware of the vibrant flavor as well as the medicinal properties of parsley. Since it is so rich in chlorophyll, fresh parsley leaves are an excellent breath freshener when chewed after a meal. In fact, that is the reason a sprig of parsley is a traditional garnish on dinner plates.

Types

There are two types of parsley; curly and flat-leaf (Italian) parsley. The latter, being far more fragrant, is preferred for culinary purposes and the former variety being far more mild and better suited as a garnish.

Growing a Biennial

Parsley is a biennial that traditionally grows for about two years and then starts growing long stems with little greenish-white flowers in flat clusters that will form seed.

When the plant starts to bolt the flavor intesity will disappear and it will produce far less leaves for harvest.

Germination

Parsley has a fairly long germination period (2-4 weeks). To plant, cover them with about a quarter-inch to a half-inch of soil and water lightly every day. Seeds are best stored in the refrigerator and can be purchased directly from us via our Seed Store.

That said, since you only need one or two decently sized plants to give you all the parsley you need for you and your friends, I generally splurge and buy a seedling or two from the nursery.

Planting

When replanting small seedlings be sure to thin pots with multiple plants to just one; parsley will develop a large stem and you don't want multiple plants strangling each other in their quest for resources. Seedlings in a bed should be thinned out to be about 10 inches apart. If growing in a pot I recommend using a large one no smaller than 4 gallons; bigger pots will give you bigger plants and more yield. I use my Best Hawaiian Soil Mix and my plants thrive.

Sun and Water

Four to eight hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal; your plants will last a little longer if not exposed to full sun all day long; like putting them in a spot that gets afternoon shade. Healthy large parsley plants will consume a significant quantity of water under the Hawaiian sun and does need a healthy watering each day. Like many plants, parsley does not like to be perpetually wet and will wilt and die if the soil is too dry. You want a solution that provides them with a cycle of wet followed by letting the soil dry without causing any wilting or plant stress. That way the roots have access to both water and air so as to bolster vibrant growth.

Fertilizing

Since parsley is primarily leafy it eats a lot of nitrogen. The perfect top feed is the Nitrogen rich guano like and dessert bat guano and/or blood meal. Parsley is sensitive to heavy feedings, so less plant food, more often, will generate the best results.

Harvesting

Parsley, once the plant is established can be harvested perpetually when needed. Remove the older outer leaves and leave the central core to generate more for next time. Regular pruning of the older and yellowing leaves will stimulate the plant to grow more.

Although parsley’s flavor is best when it is chopped fresh, it also can be preserved by freezing. To freeze parsley, chop it finely and place it in a layer about 1/2-inch thick in a plastic freezer bag. Press out as much air as possible and seal the bag. Break off pieces as needed. It keeps well frozen for up to six months.