Parsley
Bright, grassy, and faintly peppery, parsley is the workhorse herb that pulls together a dish without ever stealing the spotlight.
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More Than a Garnish
Parsley has been cultivated for over 2,000 years across the Mediterranean, where it was prized as both medicine and food long before it became a plate decoration. Two main types dominate the garden: flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, which carries a bolder, more complex flavor, and curly-leaf parsley, which is milder and holds up beautifully as a fresh garnish.
As a biennial, parsley puts all its energy into leafy growth in its first year, then bolts to flower and set seed in its second. Most gardeners treat it as an annual, harvesting steadily through spring and fall when cool temperatures keep the foliage at its most flavorful and lush.
Planting & care
Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last frost, or direct-sow after danger of frost has passed. Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate - soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before planting can cut germination time significantly. Sow 1/4 in deep in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0, spacing plants 6-8 in apart.
Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells - parsley wilts quickly but recovers well when watered promptly. Feed with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage lush, continuous growth. Harvest outer stems first, cutting at the base, which encourages the plant to keep producing from the center.
The Slow Starter Worth the Wait
Parsley is a host plant for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, which mimic monarch caterpillars with bold yellow-and-black stripes. If you spot one munching your crop, consider planting an extra patch - the sacrifice is well worth welcoming these pollinators to your garden.
How much sun does Parsley need?
Parsley grows best in full sun to partial shade.
How often should you water Parsley?
Give it about 1-2 in per week.
When is Parsley ready to harvest?
Parsley is usually ready in 70-90 days from seed.