How to Grow Parsley

Parsley
Possibly the most popular herb grown in cooler areas, but also one of the most 'failed' herbs. There are two reasons for this - firstly parsley is not so quick or easy to germinate as many other herbs. Secondly, it does require a reasonably rich soil to perform well.

Once growing well in a good soil, it is however a low maintenance plant. It's leaves are attractive, it can be used both as an attractive garnish and a flavouring for many foods - there are not many people who turn their noses up at a fresh sprig or two of parsley topping a boiled cod steak!

Parsley especially amongst herbs, can be appreciated at it's most flavoursome when picked fresh from your garden.

HOW TO GROW PARSLEY
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Parsley Folklore
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Latin Name
Petroselinum crispum

Type
Biennial edible herb

Site and Soil
Soil with organic matter, sun or partial shade

Plant to Harvest Time
Three months

Where To Grow Parsley
Parsley needs a rich well dug soil which does not dry out too often. It prefers full sun, but if the soil is good, it will do very well in partial shade.

Propagating Parsley
parsley picture The two common varieties are curled-leaf and flat-leaf, although a wide range is available from specialist seed companies. All varieties are treated the same.

Parsley is often very slow to germinate because it needs high temperatures. For this reason GardenAction always recommends that the seed is sown in pots and kept indoors in a warm room until the seedlings have sprouted.

In March, sow four or five seeds to the pot, and if you are lucky for most of them to germinate, thin out to one seedling per pot. Prepare the soil outside by digging it well, and incorporating as much organic matter as possible. Add bonemeal to the top layer of soil. The seedlings can be planted outside when they are about 8cm (3in) high.

Care of Parsley
A once monthly dose of general fertiliser will keep the plants healthy. Parsley sown in March can normally be harvested from July to July the following year. Because it is a biennial, it will then begin to produce seed which ends the plants use as a herb. Sowing later than March is fine, the plants will mature later, and this will extend the harvesting time.

Parsley does not usually suffer from pests and disease. Occasionally, carrot or greenfly attack them - spray with derris (available at almost all garden centres) as a preventative measure in June and August .

Container Growing Parsley
Parsley is an excellent plant for growing in all sorts of containers - some very attractive pots are made especially for growing parsley. No special care is required - just keep them in a sunny spot, feed regularly with a liquid plant food, and ensure the pot compost is kept moist.

END OF PARSLEY ARTICLE

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Name: jim@GardenAction
E-mail: Private
Date posted: October 27, 2011 - 02:50 am
Message: Optimum temperatures for quick germinationin would be 15-20 centigrade. Parsley will die back in winter and re-emerge in some can be self seeding. spring,

Name: shashank sharma
E-mail: Private
Date posted: October 27, 2011 - 01:54 am
Message: kindly inform about temperature required for parseley for germination.what season is suitable this to grow in north india or temp.from growing to harvesting.
thanks
shashank sharma

Name: Paul Solomon
E-mail: paul.solomon@blueyonder.co.uk
Date posted: August 10, 2011 - 06:41 am
Message: my parsley was doing well now its all turning yellow

It is in a pot Can anyone help PLEASE

Name: sarath
E-mail: Private
Date posted: August 05, 2011 - 04:16 pm
Message: Sir/ Madom
I need some parsley seeds in UAE . Available or where How available i want planting in Kerala
please send mail me
niranjan.simi@gmail.com

Name: Jackie
E-mail: auntjackie310@comcast.net
Date posted: July 22, 2011 - 03:46 pm
Message: I have parsley seeds that have been propagated in my family for generations. My grandfather brought the seeds from Naples over 100 years ago. My uncle continued propagating the plant, getting more and more seeds from it. When he and my aunt passed away the seeds that my uncle had were shared with the family and I would like to carry on the tradition. I planted the seeds in an african violet pot to assure I wouldn't over water and they have grown beautiful. But HOW do I make seeds from this plant so I can continue to have them for years to come. I wish I had asked my uncle and I'm hoping someone can tell me. How do you get seeds FROM an existing parsley plant? Please email me if you know. thanks

Name: tom
E-mail: tompoole49@hotmail.com
Date posted: July 17, 2011 - 04:59 pm
Message: my parsley was doing well now its all turning yellow

Name: ann
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 20, 2011 - 08:35 pm
Message: how many seeds i need for tamato?plz help

Name: julia
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 08, 2011 - 11:15 am
Message: My 4 parsley plants from last year's planiting are blooming and going to seed. Can I plant some of the seed heads or do I start with new plants? or seeds?please advise

Name: huda
E-mail: Private
Date posted: June 06, 2011 - 10:02 pm
Message: heck, I planted these with the root...in June, will the root take?

Please advise.