Worldwide acclaimed herb parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is one of the most popular kitchen herbs due to its distinctive flavor and high versatility. Whether as a garnish, in some of your favorite dishes, or added to smoothies, parsley is a great homegrown option.
When you know how to grow parsley both indoors, and in your garden, you’ll always have some available all year round (even if space is tight). In this guide you find out the ins and outs of how to grow parsley indoors and outdoors.
Why Is Parsley a Must-Have Herb?
More than a plate dressing, parsley is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some reasons why you should be growing parsley:
- Nutritional Benefits:
Packed with vitamins A, C and K — vital for immune system support, collagen production, blood clotting. - Medicinal Uses:
Parsley has long been a remedy for digestive aid, tummy bloating, and kidney health. Rich in antioxidants, it combats inflammation and promotes general health. - Freshness Guaranteed:
Parsley you can buy at a supermarket wilt almost right away, rapidly losing its aroma and nutrients. Having fresh, chemical-free herbs at your disposal is one of the advantages of growing your own.
Understanding Parsley Varieties
Whether or not you are an experienced gardener, the type of parsley to grow always depends on how you cook or plan to cook with it. There are three primary types of parsley, each different in its characteristics, uses, and requirements for growing. Knowledge of these varieties helps you to choose the right parsley for your kitchen and garden.
- Italian (Flat-Leaf) Parsley
- Good for cooking: its powerful, almost peppery taste is good in sauces, soups, and marinades.
- Easier to chop: The flat leaves of Italian parsley are less messy than curly parsley.
- Curly-Leaf Parsley
- Mild taste: Great for garnishing and giving salads a delicate herb-like flavor.
- Attractive: It adds color with bright green, fringy leaves in a dish.
- Hamburg Parsley (Rooted Parsley)
- Two-for-one: Grown for its mildly parsnip-and-carrot tasting edible root that also resembles a carrot root, and harvested for its less fragrant leaves.
Must have tools for growing parsley
Here is what you need, irrespective of whether you are growing parsley indoors and outdoors:
- Parsley seeds or seedlings
- Naturally proven soil, fill in the holes with compost
- Pots or containers (minimum 6 inches deep WITH drainage holes)
- Watering can, or spray bottle for delicate watering
- Indoor grow lights for low-light growing
How to Grow Parsley Indoors
During the time or the months when the light is low, growing parsley indoors is a difficult thing. Here we are going to give you step-by-step directions as follows:
1. Set up the Ideal Environment
- Light: Parsley requires 6-8 hours of sun. Parsley grows if your pots can get sun; place them in a sunny spot.
- Temperature: With grow lights near a bright window, keep the temperature at around 18°C-25°C (65°F-77°F).
- Humidity: Parsley is happy in medium humidity levels. Dry the air; you might want to put a tray or two of water near your pots.
2. Planting Parsley Seeds
- Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to help them germinate (softens seed coat.
- Using moistened potting soil, fill the pot and plant the seeds one inch deep no deeper than 1-2 inches.
- The soil is lightly sprinkled over seeds and watered to moisten.
3. Watering and Fertilizing
- Consistently water parsley so that the soil is always moist. Spraying roots too frequently rots the roots, so avoid overwatering.
- Feed every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
4. Pruning and Harvesting
- Prune the outer leaves of the plant once it grows to at least 6-inches in height.
- Harvesting will help you grow a bushy plant and adds to the life cycle of the plant.
How to Grow Parsley Outdoors
It is best to grow parsley under outdoor conditions, which has 2 benefits; first is that it gives you large harvests, and second is that there is less maintenance and care. If you wish to grow an outdoor parsley garden, read through these steps:
1. Select a Location
- Parsley will tolerate full sun when the light is at its most intense, but also loves to have some shade. Look for a 6–8-hour maximum clear sunny garden bed that is not underneath another tree.
- Do not plant in waterlogged places; soil must drain well.
2. Preparing the Soil
- Test the soil pH to be sure it is 6.0-7.0. Parsley is super happy with slightly acid to neutral soil.
- Add compost or aged manure to soil for fertility, and structure.
3. Planting Seeds or Transplants
- Direct sow seeds in spring or fall. Plant seeds 6-8 inches apart
- If you are transplanting, give each plant a growing space of at least 12 inches.
4. Watering and Mulching
- Water once to twice weekly, providing a good deep soak when the change of weather hits. Moist soil (preferably well-drained) is preferred.
- Spread a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture in the soil to prevent weeds from sprouting.
Year-Round Parsley Maintenance
- Succession planting: Sowing parsley seeds every 3-4 weeks can ensure a steady harvest.
- Overwintering: For the regions where the weather is relatively cold or winters, cover the parsley with a frost cloth or mulch to protect it from the frost. Another option is to take your potted parsley indoors.
- Companion Planting: Plant parsley with tomatoes, carrots, or roses (it helps to keep away pests and encourage beneficial insects such as lady beetles).
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
There are some common issues affecting parsley. Parsley is very low-maintenance, but also prone to some problems. Some of the most frequent problems are:
Poor Germination Rates
- Problem: Parsley seeds take a very long time to germinate.
- Fix: Soak seeds in warm water overnight before planting, and keep the soil well-moist.
2. Yellowing Leaves
- Problem: Yellowing is the result of over watering or lack of some essential nutrients.
- Fix: avoid watering frequently and use a balanced fertilizer to provide nourishment.
3. Pests and Diseases
- Problem: Too many aphids and spider mites. Very harmful disease like powdery mildew!
- Fix: Spray affected plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure good airflow to avoid fungal troubles.
How to Harvest and Store Parsley
Harvesting Tips
- Harvest parsley when the plant is about 6 to 8 inches tall.
- Use a sharp pair of shears which will help to cut the outer stems, keeping the center stems for continued growth.
- Never cut over 1/3 of the plant at once because it will cause shock to the plant.
Storing Fresh Parsley
- Short-Term Storage: For short-term storage, wrap parsley in damp paper towel and place in a re-sealable bag in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Place parsley in ice cube trays with water or olive oil for long term use.
- Drying: Dry parsley by hanging upside down in a well-ventilated area; once dried, crumble the leaves and store in an airtight container.
Benefits of Growing Parsley Indoors and Outdoors
There are many benefits to growing parsley, aside from having a garden-fresh herb ready to consume:
- Economical: No money spent for store bought herbs.
- Sustainability: Less waste with food, and no need for plastic.
- Convenience: Fresh parsley is always at your disposal for the kitchen.
- Season’s Look: Parsley helps to make your home surroundings greener.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much Time Does Parsley Take to Grow?
Parsley germinates in 2-4 weeks, Produces mature plants in 70–90 days.
2. Can Parsley Regrow After Cutting?
Yes! Parsley grows back well if you cut it correctly, which means snipping the outer stems.
3. Does Parsley Survive Winter?
Parsley is a biennial plant. Mulch, if necessary; it tolerates rain or light snow, and in mild climates, parsley can be overwintered in the ground outdoors. Else, add a frost cover to plant it in colder regions.
Conclusion
Indoors and outdoors, you can grow parsley to have this kitchen favorite all year round. From adding fragrance to your dishes to filling any kitchen or garden with its vitamins and antioxidant richness, parsley is a must have.
You could plant it inside your home for convenience and beauty, or outside in larger areas for parsley to grow healthy and to attract pollinators. Get planting now, and feel the satisfaction of snipping parsley fresh for your next meal. Both your garden and taste buds will thank you.
