Native to the Mediterranean, Parsley is one of the most versatile herbs used in cooking. There are two main varieties of parsley: curly leaf and flat leaf (Italian Parsley). Well-known for its strong taste and scent, parsley can be added to grilled/roasted vegetables, green salads, stews, soups, fish/meat meals, pasta, grain dishes or on top of eggs as a garnish.
Planting Calendar
Parsley can be planted all year round.
Harvest In
45 - 85 Days
Harvest the parsley leaves with a sharp pair of scissors. Remove the outer leaves first working toward the centre.
Prepare
Position
Parsley prefers a position in full sun to part shade when planting outdoors. Place indoor parsley pots in the brightest light possible.
Soil
When planted into the ground Parsley likes a moist but free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Space plants 30cm apart. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings Nature Organic Fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers, plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Parsley does not like to dry out so aim to keep the soil moist.Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. In addition 6 weekly applications of Kings Natures Organic Fertiliser will provide your parsley with all the nutrients it needs. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Protect from aphids and caterpillars by spraying with Bugtrol.
Pruning
Prune only to remove flowers stems as they arise or to remove any brown leaves.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
Regular deep watering and some protection from the hot summer sun will help prevent your Parsley from bolting to seed.
Expert Tip
Parsley is a biennial herb meaning it will live for 2 years, seeding in the second year.
Tip
Parsley can be chopped and stored in freezer bags, or it can also be chopped and mixed with water and frozen in ice cube trays. Either method will keep up to six months.
Top Varieties
Curly Leaf
Curly leaf is used more as a decorative type of parsley, as a garnish or added to salads. Curly leaf will grow to 20–30cm in full sun to part shade in pots, garden beds or as vege hedging. Regular harvesting keeps the plants compact and healthy.
Italian Flat Leaf
Italian parsley has a stronger flavour, flat leaves and is perfect for cooking and in salads as all parts are edible. Italian parsley will grow up to 25-35cm in full sun positions, both in pots or garden beds. Harvest regularly, never removing more than half the plant at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my parsley flower?
One trick to parsley is to pick it even if you don't need to. The more you pick the more you encourage new growth. Parsley only lasts for 2 years and has the most leaves in the first year. Parsley also likes to be planted in a cooler position protected from the hot midday sun, and also needs to be kept moist, don't allow the soil to dry out. This can cause the plants to bolt. (flower and go to seed early).
How often should I water parsley?
Parsley does not like to dry out so aim to keep the soil moist.Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
When should I plant parsley?
Plant parsley in early spring or autumn to avoid extreme temperatures.
How do I harvest parsley?
Harvest the parsley leaves with a sharp pair of scissors. Remove the outer leaves first working toward the centre.
How long does parsley take to grow?
Parsley typically takes 70-90 days from planting to maturity, depending on the variety.
