Parsley
Parsley is nature's vitamin! It's packed with Iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The high chlorophyll content of the leaves can freshen your breath, and sprigs are said to aid digestion. It's also a great ingredient in smoothies and an essential herb for flavoring soups, sauces and many other dishes.
Plant care & info
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Petroselinum crispum
Common Name: Parsley
Temperate Eurasia
Parsley thrives in full to part sun and well-drained, fertile soil with average water. It is a biennial in the Portland area, but gardeners in colder climates grow it as an annual. Parsley is suitable for both indoor and outdoor containers. You can plant parsley outdoors all year, but new plants will need some protection from December through February. You can start seed indoors any time of year or outdoors from late March through mid-September.
Harvest parsley throughout the year by picking the outer, oldest leaves. It is best not to pick all the leaves in one harvest during cooler months. In warmer months, you can harvest and regenerate parsley by cutting back the entire plant just above the central growing area.
Botrytis, cabbage looper, and spider mites can damage the plant.
Parsley is a key ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes such as tabbouleh, and continues to be a popular garnish. Not only is it attractive on a plate, but it adds great texture and vibrant green to containers and gardens. Try a border of curly parsley and marigolds for something a little different.
Parsley is easy to grow and adaptable to many growing conditions. It is a biennial in our climate, which means it will last 1 1/2 years. However, if planted in fall, it usually bolts (aka goes to flower) in the spring. The white, lacy flowers attract beneficial insects and swallowtail butterflies! Parsley often reseeds in the garden and is easy to naturalize. The seeds also make a tasty seasoning.
Explore More Parsley
Curled Parsley
Curled Parsley
An incredibly attractive variety with highly ruffled, bright green leaves.
Italian Parsley
Italian Parsley
Also known as flat-leaf parsley. This is a preferred variety due to its ease of chopping and stronger flavor. It typically grows 12-18″ tall with flat, deeply divided, dark green leaves resembling cilantro.
Moss Triple Curled Parsley
Moss Triple Curled Parsley
The variety’s leaf structure looks like a cross between curly and flat leaf varieties. Its flavor is similar to curly parsley.
Wega Triple Curled Parsley
Wega Triple Curled Parsley
One of the most attractive curly varieties, with lots of branching and an upright, uniform habit. Its leaves are finely cut and curled, with dark green leaves and a mild flavor. Its easy to harvest, versatile, and well-suited to both containers and in the ground.
Parsley Root
Parsley Root
This variety is grown for the root and also known as Hamberg parsley. Fantastic for flavoring soups and sauces. It is generally available in seed as well.
