Parsley Tips

• I have grown this parsley from spring sown seed. Germination can be a bit erratic as warm temperatures are needed.
• After a summer in the herb bed I have potted a clump up in the greenhouse.
• Before the worst frosts I will bring a pot into the house for snipping onto potatoes and garnishing fish.
• The flat leaved variety is one of my favourite herbs but I am not very successful at growing it. Fortunately there are many varieties that seem to be within my compass.
• Parsley is a hungry feeder so if growing in a container add some bone meal

The curly herb Parsley crispum is naturally slow to germinate. If the soil dries out it may never germinate.

Germination Tips

• • Try watering the drill then sow the seed in the drill covering with dry soil. This covering will dramatically reduce evaporation so the seed will be in contact with moisture for longer.

• Keep the soil warm 70-80 degrees F
• Pre soak the seed overnight and sow in soil modules too transplant when roots are still small
• Try flat leaved parsley neapolitanum (as shown) as it is easier to germinate and has a good flavour and vigorous growth
• Plant out supermarket grown potted herbs. If growing in your own pot sow heavily and grow a big clump.
• Hamburg Parsley is grown for the roots which are a cross between the flavour of celery and parsley
• If you struggle try a cover that improves humidity until germination but remove promptly to prevent mould.
• Flat leaf or Italian parsley is easier to germinate.

Old wives tales (that aren’t true)

• Parsley doesn’t only germinate when the woman wears the trousers
• You don’t need to pour boiling water on the seeds
• Parsley seeds do not need to go to the devil and back nine times before germinating

If you are keen to grow tasty Parsley then here are some quick tips.

West Dean Gardens have been conducting trials on various Parsley varieties. In the May 2010 edition of The Garden the RHS published some of the results in an article by Sarah Wain the ‘Gardens Supervisor’.

Quick Tips Growing Parsley

• Plants usually stay in good crop producing condition for 5 months. Sarah recommends sowing two crops, in January for summer & July to over winter.
• Unlike many herbs, Parsley need an abundant supply of water.
• Grow Parsley as a green edging plant to flower borders.
• If growing in a container provide good drainage and water frequently.
• If your plants are prone to bolt, cut out the flowering stem and water well.
• Pick regularly to retain shape and encourage new growth.

Seed sowing

• Sow fresh seed on all purpose compost and cover lightly with vermiculite.
• Keep moist to improve germination (I do not think the boiling water trick is really needed)
• Prick out small seedlings taking care with the roots.
• Plant 3 seedlings in a 3″ pot and grow on as one plant giving more apparent growth.
• Plant out in March in a sunny position with some protection.

Varieties of Petroselinum crispum (Parsely) to Grow

• Moss Curled and Lisette have fine curl to the leaves.
• Rosette and Opal may occasionally bolt
• Envy and Favorit were the best for flavour.
• Afrodite and Faulds make uniform, good looking plants

Also read ‘Grow your own Bouquet Garni Herbs

Photo credits
DSC03927 – parsley by RaeAllen CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Parsley by TonalLuminosity CC BY-NC 2.0 Parsley. Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum