Growing Parsley, also curly leaf parsley or flat leaf (Italian) parsley
Petroselinum crispum : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
(Best months for growing Parsley in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)
- P = Sow seed
- Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 30°C.
- Space plants: 20 - 30 cm apart
- Harvest in 9-19 weeks. Cut stalks from outer part of plant.
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, Chives, Tomatoes, Asparagus
- Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
Takes a long time to germinate, about 3 - 5 weeks before the seedlings appear. Grows to about 20 - 30 cm (8 - 10 in) until it flowers when the stems will shoot up to about 1 m (3 ft).
The useful leaves disappear when parsley flowers so it is best to have some more seedlings ready to plant.
Will self seed and produce plenty of new plants every year. Can survive snow and light frosts
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Parsley
Use the leaves and stems to add flavour and colour.
Can be cooked in dishes such as ratatouille.
Traditionally used in white sauce.
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