Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Parsley is Britain's most widely used culinary herb, available in curly-leaved and flat-leaved (Italian) forms. A hardy biennial, it produces abundant foliage in its first year and flowers in its second before dying. Rich in vitamins A, C, and iron, it is used in sauces, stuffings, salads, and as a garnish. Flat-leaf varieties have a stronger flavour; curly types are more decorative. Sow successionally for a year-round supply.
How to grow parsley
Sow seed directly outdoors from March to July, or start indoors in modules from February. Parsley is notoriously slow to germinate — soak seed in warm water overnight and expect 3-4 weeks before seedlings appear. Sow thinly in drills 1 cm deep and thin seedlings to 15 cm apart. Choose a spot with rich, moist soil in sun or light shade. Keep the soil consistently moist; parsley bolts quickly if it dries out. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Harvest outer leaves first, cutting stems at the base rather than picking individual leaves — this encourages the plant to produce from the centre. Make a second sowing in July for winter leaves. In cold areas, protect autumn plants with a cloche or fleece. Remove flower stems in the second year if they appear — once parsley flowers, the leaves lose flavour and the plant will die.
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove any flower stems promptly to prolong leaf production. Cut entire stems at the base rather than stripping individual leaves.
Propagation
- Seed (sow March-July, slow to germinate)
Common problems
- Slow germination
- Carrot fly
- Celery leaf miner
- Bolting in dry conditions
- Aphids
Good companions
Related guides
How to Grow Parsley from Seed UK
How to grow parsley from seed in the UK. Covers flat-leaf and curly varieties, slow germination fixes, container growing and year-round harvesting tips.
How to Grow Herbs in the UK
Complete guide to growing herbs in UK gardens. Covers the best herbs, growing from seed, container growing, harvesting, and preserving herbs year-round.
How to Create a Herb Garden in the UK
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