Herbs · Culinary HerbsPetroselinum crispum

Parsley

A biennial herb commonly grown as an annual, producing flat or curly vitamin-rich leaves throughout the season.

Partial Sun (3-6h)Medium (even moisture)70 daysDifficultyBeginner Friendly
Balcony gardenerAllotment gardenerGarden enthusiastUrban gardenerGarden lover
4.8 · trusted by 12,400+ gardeners
Parsley
Sow & harvest reminderstuned to your local frost dates
Parsley × Lettuce — keep apart
Sunlight
Partial Sun (3-6h)
Water Need
Medium (even moisture)
Frost Tolerance
Half-Hardy (light frost)
Days to Maturity
70 days
Plant Spacing
20 cm
8 in
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3–11
USDA
Difficulty
Beginner Friendly
Expected Yield
200-400 grams
On this pageOverview
01 · Overview

Meet Parsley

A biennial herb commonly grown as an annual, producing flat or curly vitamin-rich leaves throughout the season. Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed up germination, which can otherwise take three to four weeks. Flat-leaf Italian varieties offer stronger flavor for cooking, while curly types make attractive garnishes and edging plants. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and can be harvested continuously by cutting outer stems at the base of the plant.

70
days from seed to your first harvest. Time your whole season around it — sow, feed and pick dates all key off this one number.
02 · When to plant

When to plant Parsley

Soak parsley seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to soften the hard seed coat and speed germination. Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, placing seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist seed-starting mix. Maintain soil temperature at 65-75°F. Be patient: germination takes 14-28 days. Keep the surface consistently moist with a mist sprayer or clear plastic cover. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge. Thin to one plant per cell. Harden off transplants gradually over 7-10 days before planting outdoors.

Planting & harvest schedule

We watch the calendar so you don't have to

Tell us where you garden once. We line your sow and harvest windows up with your local season — and nudge you the moment each one opens.

Parsley schedulelocation off
Zone 6–7synced to your climate
Your climate
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Your last frostApr 16 · average for your zone
Sow windowMar – May · in your climate
First harvestMay 24 · from sowing to first pick
See your exact Parsley dates

Share your location once and we'll line every sow and harvest date up with your real local season — not a generic seed-packet guess.

Used once to set your season · never shared
Finding your seasonmatching your spot to a growing zone…
Share your location to unlock your datesGet my dates — start free trial
03 · Growing guide

How to grow Parsley

Start parsley seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, as germination is notoriously slow, taking 14-28 days. Soaking seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing significantly speeds germination. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist seed-starting mix and keep at 65-75°F. Be patient and keep the surface consistently moist during the long germination period.

Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last hard frost, spacing them 8-10 inches apart in a site with partial to full sun. Parsley prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Work in 2-3 inches of compost before planting. Parsley tolerates partial shade and actually benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates, producing more tender leaves.

Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, as inconsistent watering can stress the plant and reduce leaf quality. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. In the second year, parsley sends up flower stalks, after which leaf quality declines. Most gardeners replant annually for the best harvest. Feed every 3-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support continuous leaf production.

Mature parsley plant with lush green foliage
A well-established parsley plant can provide continuous harvests for months.
Lay it out in seconds

The bed planner spaces every plant for you

Pick a bed size and PlotMyGarden spaces your Parsley at 20 cm, counts how many fit, and lays the block out before you buy a single seed.

Parsley bed planner20 cm spacing
Bed size
36 Parsley at proper spacing
4 × 4 ft · 20 cm
36 Parsley fit this bed at 20 cm spacing — room to grow without crowding.
36 plants ready to placePlan my bed — start free trial
04 · Companions

Parsley's best neighbours

Parsley attracts beneficial hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies when it bolts and flowers, making it a valuable insectary plant. Plant near tomatoes, asparagus, and roses, where it reportedly improves growth and vigor. Parsley's deep taproot can help break compacted subsoil. Interplanting with chives creates a mutually beneficial pairing. Avoid planting near lettuce, as they may compete, and keep away from mint, which will overpower parsley with its aggressive root system.

Live companion check

It flags clashes before you plant, not after

Every plant you place is checked against its neighbours in real time. Good matches glow green; conflicts get flagged on the spot — so a season-wrecking mistake never makes it into the ground.

Companion check200+ rules
Test against Parsley
Tap a plant to test it against Parsley — live, the way the planner checks every neighbour you place.
Grows well with (4)
Keep apart (2)
200+ companion & conflict rules built inCheck my whole garden — start free trial
05 · Soil & feeding

Feed it well

Parsley thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend planting beds with 3-4 inches of compost before planting, as parsley is a heavier feeder than most herbs. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Side-dress with compost midseason to boost leaf production. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix and fertilize regularly, as nutrients leach quickly with frequent watering. Avoid letting soil dry out completely, as parsley dislikes drought stress.

Ideal Temperature

10°C – 25°C
5°C13°C22°C30°C

Hardiness Zone Compatibility

12345678910111213
Ideal (zones 3-11)Greenhouse / protection neededNot recommended
06 · Growth stages

From seed to harvest, stage by stage

0–1 days

Seed Soaking & Sowing

Soak parsley seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting to soften the hard seed coat and speed up germination. Sow seeds 5-6 mm deep in moist, fine-textured soil or seed-starting mix.

2–28 days

Germination

Parsley is notoriously slow to germinate, often taking 14-28 days. Seeds need consistent moisture and soil temperatures between 15-25°C. The first tiny seed leaves will appear as a pair of narrow cotyledons.

28–50 days

Seedling Development

True leaves begin to develop with the characteristic parsley shape, either flat or curled depending on variety. The seedling establishes its taproot system and produces its first 3-4 sets of true leaves.

50–75 days

Vegetative Growth

The plant enters rapid foliage production, developing a bushy rosette of stems. The taproot deepens and the plant builds its full canopy of aromatic leaves, reaching 25-35 cm in height.

75–365 days

Mature Harvest Stage

The plant reaches full maturity and is ready for regular harvesting. Stems are sturdy with fully developed flavor compounds. The plant will continue producing new growth from the center throughout the growing season.

365–540 days

Overwintering & Bolting

As a biennial, parsley survives winter in mild climates and bolts in its second spring. The plant sends up a tall flowering stalk with umbrella-shaped clusters of small yellowish-green flowers, producing seeds before completing its lifecycle.

Care Tip

Pre-soaking is essential since parsley seeds contain germination-inhibiting compounds. Change the water once during soaking for best results.

Young parsley seedlings emerging from soil
Parsley seedlings typically take 2-4 weeks to emerge, requiring patience during germination.
07 · Monthly care

Caring for Parsley month by month

What to do each month for your Parsley

July

You are here

No specific care tasks for this month.

08 · Harvest

Harvesting Parsley

Begin harvesting parsley when plants have at least three segments of leaves on their stems. Cut outer stems at their base first, allowing the inner rosette to continue growing. This cut-and-come-again method allows continuous harvests throughout the season. Harvest in the morning for the best flavor. Regular harvesting encourages denser, more productive growth. In the second year, harvest leaves before the flower stalk emerges, as leaf quality declines sharply once bolting begins. Parsley can tolerate light frost and often provides late-season harvests.

Freshly harvested bunch of parsley stems
Harvest outer stems first, cutting at the base to encourage continued growth from the center.
Never miss the window

We count the days and tell you when to pick

Tell us when you planted and PlotMyGarden tracks the 70-day countdown to harvest, then pings you the day your Parsley is ready.

Harvest trackercounting from planting
When did you plant?
Started from
70days until harvest
Right now: Seed Soaking & Sowing0%
PlantedJun 15, 2024
Harvest windowAug 24, 2024Jun 10, 2025
70d
Pick byJun 10, 2025
On track — harvest around Aug 24, 2024Track my harvest — start free trial

Storage & Preservation

Fresh parsley keeps for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator with stems in a jar of water, covered loosely with a plastic bag. For longer storage, chop leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with a small amount of water or olive oil. Flat-leaf parsley freezes better than curly varieties, retaining more flavor. Parsley can be dried in a dehydrator at 95°F or by hanging bundles, though it loses significant flavor when dried. Chimichurri sauce made with parsley freezes well and provides year-round access to parsley flavor.

09 · Pests

What goes wrong — and the fix

Parsley Worm (Black Swallowtail Caterpillar)

Pest

Green and black striped caterpillars consuming leaves, significant defoliation on small plants.

Prevention Plant extra parsley to share with these butterfly larvae. Use row covers if caterpillars are unwanted.
Fix: Hand-pick caterpillars and relocate to wild carrot or other umbellifers. Avoid pesticides, as these are beneficial butterfly larvae. Plant enough parsley for both you and the butterflies.

Septoria Leaf Spot

Disease

Small tan spots with dark borders on older leaves, progressive yellowing, premature leaf drop.

Prevention Avoid overhead watering, ensure good air circulation, rotate planting sites annually.
Fix: Remove and destroy infected leaves. Apply copper-based fungicide. Improve spacing and air circulation around plants.

Crown Rot

Disease

Yellowing and collapse of outer leaves, mushy brown tissue at the plant crown, foul odor.

Prevention Plant in well-drained soil, avoid mulching too close to stems, do not overwater.
Fix: Remove infected plants immediately. Improve drainage before replanting. Avoid planting parsley in the same spot for 2-3 years.

Carrot Fly

Pest

Rusty brown tunnels in roots, wilting foliage, stunted growth, larvae visible in root tissue.

Prevention Use fine mesh or floating row covers, interplant with onions or leeks, delay sowing until late spring.
Fix: Remove and destroy affected plants. Apply beneficial nematodes to soil. Cover beds with insect mesh for future plantings.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Extremely slow germination (14-28 days) is normal, not a sign of failure. Soaking seeds overnight and maintaining consistent moisture dramatically improves germination rates. Yellowing lower leaves usually indicate overwatering, nitrogen deficiency, or natural aging of outer foliage. Bolting in the second year is inevitable, as parsley is biennial. Black swallowtail caterpillars can defoliate plants but are beneficial butterfly larvae; plant extra to share. Pale, spindly growth indicates insufficient light or overcrowding.

Growing Tips

  1. Soak parsley seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting to break dormancy and significantly reduce the notoriously long germination time from 4 weeks down to 2 weeks.
  2. Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, as parsley's slow germination means outdoor direct sowing often results in a late start to the growing season.
  3. Plant parsley in rich, well-draining soil amended with compost, maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0 for optimal nutrient absorption and healthy root development.
  4. Water deeply and consistently, providing about 2.5 cm (1 inch) per week, keeping the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, as parsley's deep taproot benefits from thorough soaking rather than frequent shallow watering.
  5. Harvest outer stems first by cutting at the base of the plant rather than trimming leaf tips, which encourages vigorous new growth from the center crown and maintains a productive, bushy shape.
  6. Succession plant every 3-4 weeks from spring through midsummer to ensure a continuous supply of tender young leaves, since older plants may develop tougher stems and less intense flavor.
  7. Apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract every 3-4 weeks during the active growing season to fuel continuous leaf production and maintain dark green color.
  8. Grow parsley alongside tomatoes, asparagus, and roses as a companion plant, as it attracts beneficial hoverflies and parasitic wasps while helping to repel certain pests like carrot flies and asparagus beetles.
  9. In cold climates, protect parsley through winter with a thick layer of straw mulch or a cold frame, as established plants can survive temperatures down to -5°C and provide early spring harvests before new sowings emerge.
  10. To preserve surplus harvests, freeze chopped parsley in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil, which retains far more flavor and color than traditional air-drying methods.
10 · Varieties

Pick your Parsley

Italian Giant (Flat-Leaf)

The most popular culinary parsley with large, flat, deeply flavored leaves. Vigorous plants produce abundant harvests and strong, clean flavor preferred by chefs.

ADvia AmazonShop seeds

Triple Curled

Dense, tightly curled bright green leaves that make an attractive garnish. Milder flavor than flat-leaf but excellent texture and longer shelf life.

ADvia AmazonShop seeds

Hamburg (Root Parsley)

Grown primarily for its thick, parsnip-like taproot used in Central European soups and stews. Leaves are also edible with a strong parsley flavor.

ADvia AmazonShop seeds

Titan

An improved flat-leaf variety with exceptionally dark green, upright leaves. Strong flavor, excellent disease resistance, and vigorous regrowth after cutting.

ADvia AmazonShop seeds
Why Grow Your Own?

Growing parsley at home can save $80-$150 per year compared to buying fresh bunches from the grocery store. A single packet of seeds costing $2-4 can produce dozens of plants, each yielding continuous harvests for two growing seasons. Store-bought fresh parsley typically costs $1.50-$3.00 per bunch and wilts within a week, while a home-grown plant provides fresh cuttings on demand for 8-12 months. Dried parsley from the store, which has significantly less flavor and nutritional value, costs $4-8 per jar, whereas drying your own surplus is essentially free.

11 · Recipes

Quick recipes

Classic Chimichurri Sauce

Classic Chimichurri Sauce

10 minutes

A vibrant Argentinian herb sauce perfect for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. This fresh, tangy condiment highlights parsley as the star ingredient and keeps for up to a week refrigerated.

7 ingredients
Traditional Tabbouleh Salad

Traditional Tabbouleh Salad

20 minutes

An authentic Lebanese salad where parsley is the main ingredient rather than just a garnish. This refreshing dish is packed with bright herbs, juicy tomatoes, and nutty bulgur wheat for a healthy and satisfying meal.

8 ingredients
Parsley Pesto with Walnuts

Parsley Pesto with Walnuts

10 minutes

A cost-effective twist on classic basil pesto that uses abundant parsley combined with toasted walnuts for a deeply savory, slightly peppery sauce ideal for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

7 ingredients

Culinary Uses

Flat-leaf parsley is a foundational herb in tabbouleh, chimichurri, gremolata, and bouquet garni. Use as a generous ingredient rather than just a garnish, adding handfuls to salads, grain bowls, and sauces. Parsley's clean, bright flavor pairs with virtually every savory food, cutting through richness in meat dishes. Finely chopped parsley stirred into pasta, soups, and omelets at the last moment adds freshness and color. The stems carry intense flavor and are excellent in stocks and broths.

12 · Nutrition

What's inside

Per 100g serving
36
Calories
Vitamin C133 mg (148% DV per 100g)
Vitamin A8424 IU (168% DV per 100g)
Potassium554 mg (16% DV per 100g)
Fiber3.3 g (13% DV per 100g)

Health Benefits

  • Exceptionally high in vitamin K, which plays a critical role in blood clotting, bone metabolism, and cardiovascular health, with just 10 sprigs providing the full daily requirement.
  • Rich in antioxidants including flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, which have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties in laboratory research.
  • Acts as a natural diuretic, traditionally used to support kidney health and reduce water retention, with compounds that help promote healthy urinary tract function.
  • Contains volatile oils including myristicin and apiol, which have demonstrated antimicrobial properties and may help neutralize certain carcinogens such as benzopyrene found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill fumes.
  • Provides a significant source of folate, essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, making it especially important for women of childbearing age and supporting cardiovascular health by helping regulate homocysteine levels.
  • Fresh parsley is an effective natural breath freshener due to its high chlorophyll content and polyphenolic compounds, which help neutralize the sulfur compounds responsible for garlic and onion odors.
13 · History

Where Parsley comes from

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) traces its origins to the central and eastern Mediterranean region, particularly the rocky hillsides of Sardinia, southern Italy, and Greece, where wild forms still grow today. The ancient Greeks held parsley in high esteem, though primarily for ceremonial rather than culinary purposes. They wove parsley into funeral wreaths and used it to decorate tombs, associating the herb with Archemorus, the herald of death. Paradoxically, victorious athletes at the Isthmian and Nemean Games were crowned with parsley garlands, symbolizing honor and celebration. The Romans were among the first to embrace parsley as a culinary herb, incorporating it into sauces, salads, and meat dishes. Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder documented its medicinal properties, noting its use as a digestive aid and breath freshener. The herb gradually spread throughout medieval Europe, where it became entangled with superstition. Folk beliefs held that transplanting parsley brought bad luck, and only the wicked could grow it successfully. Charlemagne ordered parsley to be grown in his imperial gardens around 800 CE, helping to establish it as a staple of European cuisine. During the Middle Ages, monasteries cultivated both flat-leaf and the newly developed curly-leaf varieties, with curly parsley gaining favor as a garnish in England and northern Europe. By the 16th century, parsley had traveled to the Americas with European colonists, quickly naturalizing in temperate regions. Today, parsley is one of the most widely cultivated herbs globally, with Italy, Germany, France, and the United States leading production. Modern breeding has refined two primary cultivar groups: the robust flat-leaf Italian type prized by chefs for its intense flavor, and the decorative curly type favored for its visual appeal and milder taste.

14 · Did you know?

Parsley: did you know?

Fascinating facts about Parsley

Ancient Greeks associated parsley with death and used it to adorn tombs, yet also crowned victorious athletes with parsley wreaths at the Isthmian Games.

15 · FAQ

Parsley questions, answered

When should I plant Parsley?
Plant Parsley in March, April, May. It takes approximately 70 days to reach maturity, with harvest typically in May, June, July, August, September, October.
What are good companion plants for Parsley?
Parsley grows well alongside Tomato, Asparagus, Carrot, Chives. Companion planting can improve growth, flavor, and natural pest control.
What hardiness zones can Parsley grow in?
Parsley thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 11. With greenhouse protection, it may be grown in zones 1 through 12.
How much sun does Parsley need?
Parsley requires Partial Sun (3-6h). This means 3-6 hours of sunlight, ideally morning sun with afternoon shade.
How far apart should I space Parsley?
Space Parsley plants 20cm (8 inches) apart for optimal growth and air circulation.
What pests and diseases affect Parsley?
Common issues include Parsley Worm (Black Swallowtail Caterpillar), Septoria Leaf Spot, Crown Rot, Carrot Fly. Prevention through good garden practices like crop rotation, proper spacing, and companion planting is the best approach. See the detailed pests and diseases section above for symptoms, prevention, and treatment for each.
How do I store Parsley after harvest?
Fresh parsley keeps for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator with stems in a jar of water, covered loosely with a plastic bag. For longer storage, chop leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with a small amount of water or olive oil. Flat-leaf parsley freezes better than curly varieties, retaining more flavor...
What are the best Parsley varieties to grow?
Popular varieties include Italian Giant (Flat-Leaf), Triple Curled, Hamburg (Root Parsley), Titan. Each has unique characteristics suited to different growing conditions and culinary preferences. See the varieties section above for detailed descriptions.
What soil does Parsley need?
Parsley thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend planting beds with 3-4 inches of compost before planting, as parsley is a heavier feeder than most herbs. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Side-dress with compost mids...
Why is my parsley taking so long to germinate?
Parsley is one of the slowest-germinating common herbs, typically requiring 14-28 days to sprout. The seeds contain naturally occurring germination-inhibiting compounds called furanocoumarins. To speed things up, soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before sowing, which can cut germination time roughly in half. Maintain consistent soil moisture and temperatures of 15-25°C for best results. Be patient and avoid disturbing the soil during this period.
What is the difference between flat-leaf and curly parsley, and which should I grow?
Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has smooth, deeply lobed leaves with a more robust, peppery flavor preferred by most chefs for cooking. Curly parsley has tightly ruffled leaves with a milder, slightly grassy taste and is traditionally used as a decorative garnish. For culinary versatility, flat-leaf parsley is generally recommended. However, curly parsley is slightly more cold-hardy and makes a beautiful ornamental border plant. Many gardeners grow both varieties to enjoy their distinct qualities.
Why is my parsley turning yellow?
Yellowing parsley can result from several causes. Overwatering or poor drainage is the most common culprit, leading to root rot and nutrient uptake problems. Nitrogen deficiency can also cause yellowing, remedied by applying a balanced liquid fertilizer. Spider mites or aphid infestations may cause stippled yellowing on leaves. In the second year, natural yellowing signals the plant is preparing to bolt and flower. Check the soil moisture, inspect for pests, and ensure the plant receives adequate but not excessive water.
Can I grow parsley indoors year-round?
Yes, parsley grows well indoors with sufficient light. Place it on a bright south-facing windowsill where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, or supplement with a full-spectrum grow light for 10-12 hours per day. Use a pot at least 20 cm deep to accommodate the taproot, with well-draining potting mix. Indoor parsley may grow more slowly than outdoor plants but will provide a steady supply of fresh leaves throughout winter. Rotate the pot regularly for even growth and water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry.
How do I prevent my parsley from bolting?
Bolting is triggered primarily by long days and high temperatures above 27°C. To delay bolting, provide afternoon shade during hot summer months, keep the soil consistently moist, and harvest regularly to redirect the plant's energy toward leaf production. Mulching around the base helps keep roots cool. However, since parsley is a biennial, second-year plants will inevitably bolt as part of their natural lifecycle. For continuous harvests, practice succession planting, sowing new seeds every few weeks from spring through summer.
Is it safe to eat parsley in large quantities?
Parsley is safe to eat in typical culinary amounts and is highly nutritious. However, consuming very large quantities (several cups daily over extended periods) is not recommended due to high levels of oxalates, which may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals. The compound myristicin, found in parsley's essential oil, can be toxic in extremely concentrated doses but is harmless in normal food quantities. Pregnant women should avoid consuming medicinal doses of parsley, as certain compounds may stimulate uterine contractions, though normal culinary use is perfectly safe.
Why gardeners switch

You just read the theory. Now grow it on autopilot.

Everything that makes Parsley fiddly — the timing, the spacing, the companions, the harvest window — is exactly what PlotMyGarden handles for you, for every plant in your garden.

A plan that knows your weather

Set your location once. Get sow, feed and harvest dates built around your real last-frost date and live forecast — no more guessing from a generic seed packet.

From the “When to plant” section

Drag-and-drop bed planner

Design beds on a grid. Every plant snaps to its proper spacing, and you can see your whole season laid out before you spend a cent on seed.

From the “Growing guide” section

Companion conflicts, caught early

200+ good-and-bad pairings checked live as you plant — so a season-wrecking mistake never makes it into the ground.

From the “Companions” section

Reminders you'll actually act on

“Water the beans.” “Pick today before it turns.” Timely, specific, and tied to the plants you're really growing.

From the “Harvest” section

Succession, scheduled

Want a harvest for six weeks, not six days? It spaces your sowings automatically and reminds you when each new block is due.

From the “When to plant” section

A record that gets smarter

Every harvest you log teaches it your garden. Next year's plan starts from what actually worked in your soil, not a textbook's.

From the “Overview” section
Companion crops

Plant these alongside Parsley

Keep growing

More Culinary Herbs

Keep apart

Keep Parsley away from these

Your garden, planned in an afternoon

Grow your best Parsley yet — and everything around it.

Start a free plan today. Lay out your beds, drop in your Parsley, and let PlotMyGarden handle the timing, spacing, companions and reminders from seed to harvest basket.

Free 7-day trial — no card required
Plan unlimited beds & plants
Weather-aware reminders
Cancel in one click, anytime