Parsley is a type of herb that is commonly used in cooking as a flavoring agent, garnish, and ingredient in many different cuisines. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, celery, and fennel. Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region but is grown throughout many parts of the world. This unsung hero of the herb garden is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K as well as iron and potassium. The two most common types of parsley are curly and Italian flat-leaf.
Curly-leaf parsley has tightly curled leaves and is often used as a garnish, while flat-leaf parsley has flat, smooth leaves and is commonly used as an ingredient in recipes around the world. As a point of reference, Food52 has 5,000 recipes that include parsley.
Since parsley is so good for us and for other plants in the garden let’s dive into the best practices for planting, growing, and harvesting this worldly herb.
Planting parsley from fully rooted healthy transplants is easy. Remember to water the parsley at least an hour before transplanting, this will reduce water stress and help the soil cling to the roots. Dig holes in the loosened soil at least twice as wide and deep as the parsley root ball. If the roots are tangled, soak them in a bowl of water and detangle the roots prior to planting. Keep the top of the root ball level with the ground’s surface and gently fill in the soil around the root ball. A good rule of thumb is to plant your transplant in at the same level they are at in their starter pot.
Growing parsley in containers is a great option for those without a backyard. Grow in well-draining containers on your patio, fire escape, or porch. (We are big fans of the Grow Bag.) Remember once you have transplanted your parsley make sure to water it well to help the plant recover from the transplanting process.
Because of its hardy nature and decorative appeal, parsley is a popular herb to grow indoors. The key to successful indoor growing is to ensure that your parsley gets enough light. Look for the brightest light possible in your home — most often found by a window sill — to nourish healthy parsley plants.
Parsley grows best in cool to moderate temperatures, with an optimal temperature range of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate more versatile hot and cold temperatures, but extreme heat or cold can cause it to bolt (flower) and go to seed.
This herb tends to do best in environments with mild summers and cool winters, where temperatures rarely exceed 85 degrees or drop below 20 degrees.
Harvesting parsley is pretty straight forward. Depending on the size and growth pattern of your parsley plant, here are some general guidelines on how to harvest parsley:
Start harvesting your parsley once the plants have grown to a decent size, you can begin harvesting the oter leaves once they are at least 4-5 inches long.
When the leaf stems have at least three stems, or the plant is about 5 inches tall, your parsley is ready to harvest. Harvest the outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the plant and reduce its ability to produce new growth.
Be sure to use clean scissors or shears when harvesting your parsley and avoid pulling or tearing the leaves, as this can damage the plant and slow down its growth.
If your parsley plant is large and bushy, you can also harvest entire stems. Cut the stem close to the ground, and remove any leaves from the lower portion of the stem.
Regular harvesting will help keep your parsley plants healthy and productive. It will also encourage the plants to produce more leaves.
To store parsley, put the leaf stalk in water and keep it in the fridge. Alternatively, dry or freeze parsley. Dried parsley can be a great, easy way to season food and has a long shelf life.
Parsley requires a moderate amount of light to grow, ideally around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate some shade and may even prefer it in very hot climates.
If you are growing parsley indoors or in a location with limited sunlight, you can use artificial light sources such as fluorescent or LED grow lights to provide the necessary light. Place the lights 6-12 inches above the plants and keep them on for 12-16 hours daily to simulate natural daylight.
Water your parsley consistently and regularly throughout the summer — about 1-2 inches per week. Be especially consistent and generous with water while your parsley is germinating. Check the top inch of your soil daily — if it’s dry, water.
Parsley has a fresh, slightly peppery taste with a subtle bitterness. The flavor is best described as herbaceous, bright, and clean. The leaves on curly-leaf parsley have a slightly crunchy texture and a mild aroma.
Flat-leaf parsley is generally considered to have a stronger flavor than curly-leaf parsley, but both varieties can be used to create a similar taste profile.
When eaten raw, parsley has a crisp and refreshing taste, and can add a bright, herbaceous flavor to salads and other dishes. When cooked, parsley can take on a slightly sweeter flavor and can help balance out the flavors of other ingredients in a dish.
Overall, parsley has a versatile flavor profile that can complement a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to pasta and seafood dishes.
Planting parsley from fully rooted healthy transplants is easy. Remember to water the parsley at least an hour before transplanting, this will reduce water stress and help the soil cling to the roots. Dig holes in the loosened soil at least twice as wide and deep as the parsley root ball. If the roots are tangled, massage them with your fingers prior to planting. Keep the top of the root ball level with the ground’s surface and gently fill in the soil around the root ball.
Growing parsley in containers is a great option for those without a backyard. Grow in well-draining containers on your patio, fire escape, or porch. Use a soil-less potting mix and plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, 1-2 inches apart.
Because of its hardy nature and decorative appeal, parsley is a popular herb to grow indoors. The key to successful indoor growing is to ensure that your parsley gets enough light. Look for the brightest light possible in your home — most often found by a window sill — to nourish healthy parsley plants.
Parsley thrives when planted alongside asparagus, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, chives, and onions. Parsley will enhance the flavor of these veggies, and the oil in parsley acts as a natural pest repellent.
Yes! Parsley is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and iron. It also contains a range of antioxidants, flavonoids, and other beneficial plant compounds.
The health benefits associated with parsley include:
The name parsley is derived from the Old English word “petersilie,” which comes from the Medieval Latin word “petrosilium.” This, in turn, is derived from the Greek word “petroselinon,” which means “rock celery.”
The name “rock celery” likely refers to the fact that parsley is a member of the celery family (Apiaceae) and has a similar appearance and flavor. It may also refer to the fact that parsley is often found growing in rocky or stony soil.
Parsley has been cultivated and used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years, and the name has evolved over time as the herb spread to different cultures and languages. In ancient Greek and Roman times, parsley was associated with death and was used to make wreaths for funeral ceremonies. Later, it became a symbol of victory and was used to crown winners of athletic and poetic competitions. Today, parsley is a popular herb used in a wide variety of dishes around the world.
In ancient times, parsley was associated with death and was thought to have the power to ward off evil spirits and prevent poisoning. It was also believed to have aphrodisiac properties and was used to make love potions.
During the Middle Ages, parsley was used to treat a range of illnesses, including epilepsy, kidney stones, and snake bites. It was also believed to have the power to increase strength and courage.
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