Parsley is cold hardy and can be productive year-round. It comes in both curly and flat-leaved (Italian) varieties. It is a biennial, meaning it will send up a flower stalk after its first winter, so it is best to set out fresh transplants every spring.
How to grow
- Type: Biennial, but usually grown as an annual
- Light: Full sun; likes afternoon shade in hot areas
- Soil: Well amended, good drainage
- Water: Moderate; keep soil moist until well-rooted
- Size: 12-18" high, 12-18" wide, depending on variety
When to plant/propagate
Parsley needs cool weather to germinate, which can take several weeks.
- From seed: Start seeds 9 weeks prior to transplant date
- Transplants: For longest production before bolting, plant seedlings in the spring (Feb-May). Seedlings can be transplanted throughout the year, but as a biennial, parsley is likely to bolt the following spring, no matter when it was planted.
Harvesting
Pick continuously throughout the growing season
Indoors
Parsley can be grown as an indoor plant with 6 hours of bright light from a sunny window, or 12-16 hours of supplemental light provided by cool white fluorescent or LED lamps
More information
- Parsley, UC Master Gardeners of Sonoma County
- Growing Parsley in Home Gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County*
- Italian Gigante
- Also, see our list of Spring Garden Fair Herbs.
*Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.