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.