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Growing Parsley, also curly leaf parsley or flat leaf (Italian) parsley

(Petroselinum crispum)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    S   P P            

(Best months for planting Parsley in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 12 inches apart
  • Harvest in 9-19 weeks. Cut stalks from outer part of plant.
  • Compatible with: Carrots, Chives, Tomatoes, Asparagus
  • Avoid growing with: Potatoes
  • A parsley seedling
  • Flat leaf Italian parsley

Takes a long time to germinate, about 3 - 5 weeks before the seedlings appear. Grows to about 20 -30cm (8 -10in) until it flowers when the stems will shoot up to about 1m (3ft) .

The useful leaves disappear when parsley flowers so it is best to have some more seedlings ready to plant.

Will self seed and produce plenty of new plants every year. Can survive snow and light frosts

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Parsley

Use the leaves and stems to add flavour and colour.
Can be cooked in dishes such as ratatouille
Traditionally used in white sauce


Your comments and tips

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19 Apr 12, Daniel (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Okay, first off. What is the fertilizer ratio for parsley. Second off my tip to you is to find out the acceptable fertilizer ratio of every plant. Other than that this website is pretty useful.
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15 Mar 12, Annymus (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Parsley grows really well in the US (west Coast). It's a little difficult to start from seed but once it starts producing, it is wonderful. After cutting it down (harvesting the leaves), it just grows back again. It just keeps growing until it freezes in the winter. I grow moss curled parsley.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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