Parsley is more than just a decorative garnish on the side of your plate. This vibrant, nutrient-packed herb adds fresh, grassy flavor to a wide range of dishes — from soups and salads to sauces and smoothies. The best part? Parsley is incredibly easy to grow at home, whether you have a garden plot, a raised bed, or a sunny kitchen windowsill.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to start growing parsley, including the best varieties, planting tips, care essentials, harvesting advice, and even storage ideas. Let’s get growing!
Why You Should Grow Parsley
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why parsley deserves a spot in your garden:
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K — a superfood for your immune system and bones.
- Delivers a fresh, bright flavor that complements a variety of dishes.
- Doubles as an ornamental plant with its lush, green foliage.
- Attracts beneficial pollinators like hoverflies and predatory wasps.
- Easy to grow indoors or outdoors with minimal fuss.
Types of Parsley: Choosing the Right Variety
There are two primary types of parsley, each with unique characteristics:
1. Curly Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Features tightly curled, frilly leaves.
- Most commonly used as a garnish.
- Has a mild, fresh flavor.
- Decorative and ideal for edging borders or containers.
2. Flat-Leaf Parsley (Italian Parsley, Petroselinum neapolitanum)
- Boasts flat, broad leaves resembling cilantro.
- Stronger, more robust flavor — favored by chefs for cooking.
- Easier to chop and use in recipes.
Both types grow under similar conditions, so your choice comes down to culinary preference and appearance.
When to Plant Parsley
Parsley is a cool-season herb that thrives in moderate temperatures.
Best Planting Times:
- Outdoors: Early spring (as soon as the soil can be worked) and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
- Indoors: Year-round, as long as it receives plenty of light.
Parsley can tolerate light frost but struggles in intense summer heat, which may cause it to bolt (go to seed).
Where to Plant Parsley
Parsley is a flexible herb that grows well in various settings:
- Garden beds — Plant in fertile, well-draining soil.
- Container gardens — Choose pots that are at least 6-8 inches deep.
- Windowsills — Bright, south-facing windows work best.
- Herb spirals or raised beds — Parsley pairs well with other cool-season herbs like chives, thyme, and oregano.
How to Plant Parsley
Starting from Seed:
Parsley is typically grown from seed, although it can be slow to germinate.
Steps:
- Soak seeds overnight in warm water to soften the seed coat and speed up germination.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-prepared soil.
- Space seeds 1-2 inches apart if sowing directly or in rows.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Germination can take 14-28 days — be patient!
Tip: Parsley prefers cooler weather, so if planting in summer, choose a partly shaded spot.
From Transplants:
If starting with young nursery plants:
- Space them 6-8 inches apart.
- Water well after planting.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Parsley
- Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
- Sunlight: Parsley thrives in full sun (6 hours+), but tolerates partial shade — especially in hotter climates.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogged soil.
- Fertilizing: Mix compost or an organic, balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting. Feed lightly every 4-6 weeks.
Caring for Parsley Plants
Parsley is low-maintenance but benefits from a few simple care practices:
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Thin seedlings once they’re a few inches tall, leaving about 6 inches between plants.
- Deadhead flowers if you want to prolong leaf production and prevent bolting.
- Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Common Parsley Problems and Pests
Parsley is fairly pest-resistant but may occasionally encounter:
Pests:
- Aphids — Spray with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Cutworms — Protect seedlings with collars.
- Carrot flies — Use fine mesh or row covers.
Diseases:
- Powdery mildew — Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Fungal leaf spots — Remove affected leaves and avoid overcrowding.
Healthy, well-watered plants in good soil typically resist most issues.
Harvesting Parsley
When to Harvest:
- Start harvesting once plants are 6-8 inches tall.
- Pick outer leaves first, allowing the inner growth to continue.
- Regularly cutting encourages bushier plants and extends the harvest.
Note: Avoid harvesting more than a third of the plant at one time.
How to Store and Preserve Parsley
Storing Fresh:
- Place cut stems in a glass of water.
- Cover loosely with a plastic bag.
- Refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing:
- Chop leaves and pack them into ice cube trays with water or olive oil.
- Use cubes in soups, sauces, and stews.
Drying:
- Dry parsley by hanging small bunches in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space.
- Crumble and store in airtight jars.
Tip: Freezing retains parsley’s bright flavor better than drying.
Parsley Companion Planting
Parsley grows well alongside many other herbs and vegetables:
Good companions:
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Onions
- Chives
- Roses (parsley improves rose scent)
Avoid planting near: Mint, as it may overtake parsley due to its aggressive spread.
Growing Parsley Indoors
Parsley makes an excellent indoor herb with the right care:
- Use deep containers (6-8 inches) with drainage holes.
- Place near a south-facing window or under grow lights.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Turn the pot regularly for even growth.
Pro Tips for Successful Parsley Growing
- Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed germination.
- Succession plant every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Thin seedlings early to give plants room to flourish.
- Harvest leaves regularly to stimulate new growth.
- Grow both curly and flat-leaf varieties for culinary variety.
Final Thoughts
Parsley is one of the most rewarding and beginner-friendly herbs you can grow. Whether you’re tucking it into a kitchen windowsill, planting it in a raised bed, or adding it to your vegetable garden, parsley’s fresh flavor, attractive foliage, and nutritional benefits make it a must-have.
By following this guide, you’ll enjoy lush, flavorful parsley for months — perfect for brightening up your dishes, making nutrient-packed green smoothies, or simply adding a pop of green to your garden.