Parsley is a wonderful addition to any container garden as it yields a constant harvest and is rich in vitamins. As a biennial, it doesn’t require a great deal of care and will take you through an entire year of harvest. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases.

How Do I Grow Parsley?

Parsley is quite slow growing, it is therefore more efficient to buy a transplant from a nursery.

However, if you wish to start from seed they should be started twelve weeks before last spring frost. Parsley seeds can be slow to germinate and can be soaked in lukewarm water for 24hrs before planting them, which will speed up the germination process.  Sprinkle ten seeds in a cup filled with vermiculite and in 10-15 days the seeds will sprout at a temperature of 70 F.  When you see the shoots appear move your seeds to a spot where they will receive full sun.

Put the parsley seedlings in trays as soon as they are large enough and move them outdoors five weeks before the last spring frost.  Plant them in your container at the same depth they grew in the tray.

Companion Plants

Let bolt occasionally to attract beneficial insects, Asparagus, Corn, tomatoes

Nutrition

A good source of Vitamin A and C. 

Harvesting

When parsley has reached 3-4 inches tall you can begin to harvest. The leaves will quickly replenish itself. Try giving the entire plant a haircut, this allows to shape the plant, and prevents bolting if the weather is hot. Be sure to take no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. 

Preparing and using

Parsley is great fresh, dried or cooked. It used in many cultures as a staple flavour in many dishes. Try using it as a garnish! 

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Parsley can be potted up for a kitchen windowsill garden. In their second year try letting them bolt, the umbrilifrae shape of the blossoms is very attractive to beneficial insects.