herb
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
EdibleMedicinal
Edible Partsleaves, stems
Overview
Far more than a plate garnish, parsley is one of the most nutritionally dense herbs available and a foundation of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and French cuisine. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has the best flavor for cooking, while curly parsley is the classic garnish. It is the main ingredient in tabbouleh and chimichurri, and a host plant for swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones3 — 9
Height0.3m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanBiennial
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, moist, well-drained soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Mar — Apr | Start 8-10 weeks before last frost; slow germination |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Transplant after last frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Sep | Cut outer stems; plant produces until hard frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start 8-10 weeks before last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant after last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Oct | Cut outer stems continuously |
| Moderate (5-7) | Start Indoors | Jan — Feb | Start 8-10 weeks before last frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — Apr | Transplant after last frost |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Nov | Cut outer stems continuously |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Direct sow in early spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sowing for winter harvest |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Mar — Jun | Harvest before bolting in summer heat |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Grow as cool-season crop |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Nov — Apr (wraps) | Winter through spring harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Essential in tabbouleh, chimichurri, and gremolata
- Fresh chopped as finishing herb on virtually any savory dish
- Stems add depth to stocks and bouquet garni
Medicinal
- Exceptionally rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and iron
- Traditional diuretic and kidney tonic
- Chlorophyll-rich natural breath freshener
Other Uses
- Host plant for black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars
- Attracts beneficial insects including tachinid flies
Safety Notes
Safe in normal culinary amounts. Very large quantities (medicinal doses) should be avoided during pregnancy. Rich in vitamins A, C, K.
