Growing Parsley, also curly leaf parsley or flat leaf (Italian) parsley

Petroselinum crispum : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N 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. (Show °F/in)
  • 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
  • A parsley seedling
  • Flat leaf  Italian parsley

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.

Your comments and tips

11 Jan 17, Robert Anderson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Does soaking the seeds help with germination?
02 Feb 17, Karen (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I get my seeds on-line
30 Nov 18, Brigitte (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is there a difference between 'bolting' and 'going to seed'? Our parsely was wonderful for quite a long time then large thicker stalks started to appear with sparse leaves, no flower heads that I could detect. I cut off the stalks as close to base as possible but more are appearing.
02 Dec 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
They mean the same thing - bolting to seed. If it is an annual it is coming to the end of it's life and setting seed.
27 Jun 19, Randall Quested (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi. What ph is suitable for parsley? Cheers thanks.
30 Jun 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Parsley will grow in a pH range between 5.6 (acidic) and 7.5 (neutral) with a preferred range between 6.0 and 7.0.
17 Mar 21, Christine Hughes (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Is it best to grow parsley in pots in a cool climate ( Clutha) or is it okay to put it directly into the garden?
17 Mar 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Parsley should be alright in the ground. I have seen it growing through snow.

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