Parsley
Also known as
Garden parsley, Curly parsley, Italian parsley, Flat-leaf parsley
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Petroselinum crispum, commonly known as parsley, is a cool-season, aromatic biennial herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae). In its first year it forms a dense rosette of bright green, finely divided, tripinnate leaves that are either curly or flat depending on cultivar. A fleshy taproot anchors the plant and makes it sensitive to transplant disturbance. In its second year, it sends up a hollow, furrowed flowering stalk up to 60–100 cm tall bearing umbels of small greenish-white flowers followed by aromatic seeds. Parsley is valued worldwide as a culinary herb for its fresh, slightly peppery flavor and high vitamin K, C, and A content. It prefers cool to mild temperatures and even moisture, and it can tolerate light frosts. Heat and long days encourage bolting. Parsley grows well in containers if given a deep pot and regular feeding, and it can be overwintered in mild climates or harvested through winter under protection.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Parsley
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Outdoors, aim for roughly 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week, adjusting for rainfall and heat. In containers, water when the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of mix feels dry; pots dry faster in sun and wind. Water early in the day at soil level to reduce disease. Use mulch to slow evaporation, and ensure excellent drainage to protect the taproot from rot.
Light
Provide full sun in cool to mild climates (6–8 hours of direct light). In hot regions, give morning sun and light afternoon shade to reduce stress and bolting. Indoors, place near a bright south or east window, or use grow lights 12–14 hours daily at moderate intensity. Insufficient light leads to leggy growth and reduced flavor; rotate pots weekly for even development.
Nutrients
Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the bed before planting. For container or intensively harvested plants, feed every 3–4 weeks with a balanced, dilute liquid fertilizer (e.g., 5-5-5 or 10-10-10 at half strength). Aim slightly higher nitrogen early for leafy growth, but avoid heavy doses that can produce overly soft, less flavorful foliage. Top-dress midseason with compost and maintain steady moisture to keep nutrients available.
Temperature
Best growth occurs between 10–24°C (50–75°F). Parsley tolerates light frosts and can overwinter in mild climates with protection, but prolonged hard freezes damage foliage. Hot weather above ~27–30°C (80–86°F), especially with long days, encourages bolting—provide afternoon shade and steady moisture during heat. Indoors, keep it cool and bright; avoid placing near heat sources. Sudden temperature swings can stress plants and reduce leaf quality.
