How to Grow Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Parsley is a cool-season biennial grown for leaves in year one (flowers year two). It prefers full sun to light shade, moist, fertile soil, and even watering. Seeds germinate slowly; sow fresh seed in modules or direct and succession sow for continuity. Transplant carefully and avoid checks. Harvest outer stalks regularly to promote new growth. In winter, cloche or lift a pot for protected picking. Replace plants in year two as flavour declines when flowering begins.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Can also be started indoors 5 weeks earlier for a head start.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Balanced liquid feed every 2–3 weeks. Prefers rich, moist soil.
- Biennial — runs to seed in the second year. Slow to germinate (3–4 weeks). Soak seeds overnight to speed up.
Companion Planting
Tomato, Asparagus
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–25°C
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- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 25 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 25 cm |
Slow to germinate; best in modules then planted out. Harvest regularly to prevent bolting in summer.
Companion Planting
Grows well with
Parsley flowers attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on tomato hornworms and aphids. Let some parsley bolt between tomato plants for continuous beneficial insect recruitment.
▼Parsley's umbrella-shaped flower heads attract tachinid flies and parasitic wasps that attack asparagus beetles. Plant parsley at the foot of asparagus rows and allow it to flower freely.
▼Keep away from
Mint spreads aggressively via underground stolons and smothers parsley's shallower root system, while both compete for the same moisture band. Grow mint in a sunken container or separate bed entirely.
▼Pests & Diseases
Pest Carrot Fly
Identification: Yellowing and reddening foliage, stunted growth, rusty-brown tunnels in roots when lifted
- Cover with fine insect mesh or fleece from sowing
- Grow in containers or raised beds above 60 cm to avoid low-flying adults
- Companion plant with strong-scented alliums
- Avoid thinning — the scent attracts flies
- No effective chemical treatments available to home gardeners
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green insects on shoot tips and leaf undersides, sticky honeydew, distorted growth
- Blast off with a jet of water
- Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies
- Soft soap spray
- Pyrethrum-based contact spray
Pest Celery Leaf Miner
Identification: Pale blotchy mines within leaves, small white maggots visible inside mines when held to the light
- Pick off and destroy affected leaves promptly
- Cover with fine insect mesh
- Encourage natural parasitoid wasps
- No effective chemical treatments once larvae are inside leaves
Disease Septoria Leaf Spot Septoria petroselini
Symptoms: Small brown spots with dark borders on leaves, spots may merge causing leaves to yellow and die
Treatment: Remove affected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Space plants well. Avoid overhead watering. Rotate umbellifers on a 3-year cycle. Use fresh seed.
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe heraclei
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves, leaves yellow and become tough, reduced vigour
Treatment: Remove affected foliage. Water at the base to keep roots moist.
Prevention: Space plants for airflow. Avoid drought stress. Grow in partial shade in midsummer.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 4°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 8.5h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Parsley?
- Plant Parsley 20cm apart with 25cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Parsley?
- Parsley is ready to harvest approximately 40 days after transplanting.
- What grows well with Parsley?
- Parsley grows well with tomato, asparagus.
- Is Parsley frost hardy?
- Parsley is classified as Hardy.
