How to Grow Parsley
Biennial, Petroselinum Crispum
Did you know that Parsley is an easy to grow vegetable? That's right, a
vegetable! Almost everyone thinks of it as a herb. It's actually both
a vegetable and a herb. We suggest you grow it in a flower garden near the
house, or a container, especially if your garden space is limited. By planting
it near your house, you can quickly harvest some for cooking, and it will
continue to grow well into the fall months.
As a herb, parsley has a mild flavor which is used in a wide variety of recipes.
It also is an important garnish, decorating many types of trays and dishes.
Kids seem to like to take Parsley garnish, and munch on it.
Did you Know? There is also a vegetable called Hamburg Parsley, which
is grown for it's long root to flavor soups and stews. It is an excellent
source of vitamins A,C, calcium and iron.
Try growing this herb in a sunny window and enjoy it fresh all winter. We
do!
Thought for the Day: If a parsley grower is sued, can you garnish
his wages?
Medicinal Benefits and Applications:
Parsley promotes kidney health and helps to control blood pressure.
Growing Parsley Plants:
While Parsley is a biennial, it is often grown as an annual, especially in
colder climates.
Plants can be started indoors or out. We suggest you sow these tiny parsley
seeds indoors, and let them grow for a few weeks prior to planting outdoors.
They transplant easily. And, transplanting affords easy spacing.
Sow seeds thinly. Parsley seeds are so fine, you can sow on top of the soil
and just water them in. Germination can take two weeks. Young plants will
grow slowly, but steadily.
Parsley can grow in partly shady areas. The soil should be rich. This easy
to grow herb, tolerates poor soil and poor drainage. So, you can be put parsley
in areas of the garden that other plants do not like.
Harvesting:
Begin to pick parsley as soon as the leaves begin to curl and are of sufficient
size for your recipe. For best flavor of this mild herb, pick early in the
day, when the oils are the strongest.
Tip: Put unused sprigs in a jar, and add an inch of water.
Keep the leaves above the water. Place it in the refrigerator, for
later use.
Insects and Pests:
Aphids will infrequently enjoy a meal of your parsley. Aphids have far too
many other flowers and vegetables, that they prefer much more.
We recommend tolerating the occasional infestation, rather than using
insecticides. Or, try
organic sprays.
Hardiness:
Parsley is very hardy. Plants that have wintered over in your garden, will
begin their growth with the first rays of sun in the spring . New growth
begins shortly after the snow has melted. You can harvest the leaves
late into the fall.
Other Uses:
Ancient Romans used sprigs of parsley as garlands on their crowns.
More Information:
Our Garden Recipe Collection
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