How to Grow Parsley: From Seed to Harvest in the Garden and in Pots
How to grow parsley outdoors: curly versus flat-leaf parsley, how to get the slow seeds to sprout, simple parsley plant care, growing parsley in pots, and how to harvest parsley so it keeps producing all season.
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Parsley is the herb most cooks reach for every day, and it is easy to grow once you know its one quirk: the seeds are slow and unpredictable to sprout. After that, a few plants give you fresh green sprigs from spring until late fall, and often into the next spring.
This guide explains how to grow parsley step by step. You will learn the difference between curly and flat-leaf parsley, how to speed up germination, what parsley plant care involves, how growing parsley in pots works on a patio or balcony, and how to harvest parsley the right way so the plant keeps producing.
Why Grow Parsley?
- Gives a long harvest from spring to fall
- Grows in sun or light shade
- Thrives in beds, pots and window boxes
- Flowers in its second year attract helpful insects
- Fresh parsley tastes far better than dried
- Seeds germinate slowly and unevenly
- Biennial: it flowers and dies in its second year
- Has a taproot, so older plants do not transplant well
- Swallowtail caterpillars may feed on it
Curly vs. Flat-Leaf Parsley
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension describes three main types of parsley:
| Type | Look | Flavor | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) | Flat, dark green leaves | Stronger, fuller flavor | Cooking, sauces, salads |
| Curly parsley | Tightly curled, bright green leaves | Milder | Garnish, edging, decorative pots |
| Hamburg or root parsley | Flat leaves, thick white root | Root tastes like celery and parsnip | Soups and roasting |
Flat-leaf parsley contains more essential oil, which gives it its stronger flavor, and it overwinters better than curly parsley. For most cooks, flat-leaf parsley is the first choice; curly parsley makes a neat, bright edging for beds and pots.
Parsley Is a Biennial: What That Means
Parsley is a hardy biennial in the carrot family. In its first year, it forms a leafy rosette about 12 to 18 inches tall. In its second year, it sends up a flower stalk, sets seed and then dies.
- The best leaves come in the first year.
- In the second spring, plants give an early harvest before they flower, then the leaves turn bitter.
- Sow or plant new parsley every year for a steady supply.
- Let a few second-year plants flower: the small umbels attract hoverflies, parasitic wasps and other helpful insects.
Where to Plant Parsley
- Sun: six to eight hours of direct light a day, according to the University of Minnesota Extension; parsley tolerates light shade, which helps in hot summers.
- Soil: well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a pH of about 6.0 to 7.0.
- Fertility: unlike many herbs, parsley prefers relatively fertile soil.
- Placement: near the kitchen, along the edge of a vegetable bed or in pots on the patio.
Parsley grows well in a raised bed with compost-rich soil; see how to build a raised garden bed.
How to Grow Parsley from Seed
Parsley seeds are famous for slow germination. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that it can take two to five weeks, depending on seed freshness, and both universities recommend soaking the seeds to speed things up.
Fresh seed germinates much better than old seed. If a packet is more than two years old, sow more thickly or buy new seed.
Planting Parsley Outdoors
- Plant nursery transplants after the last frost, while they are still small; parsley forms a taproot and dislikes being disturbed.
- Set plants at the same depth they grew in their pot.
- Space plants 10 to 12 inches apart, or 6 to 12 inches for a dense edging, as the University of Wisconsin suggests.
- Water well after planting.
- Make a few sowings through midsummer for a continuous harvest.
Starting a new vegetable garden? See vegetable gardening for beginners.
Parsley Plant Care
| Task | How | When |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Water deeply at least once a week; more often in heat and in pots | When the top inch is dry |
| Feeding | In beds, a balanced fertilizer once or twice a season; in pots, liquid feed every 3 to 4 weeks | Spring and summer |
| Mulching | A thin layer of compost or straw keeps soil cool and moist | Late spring |
| Weeding | Keep young plants free from competing weeds | Spring and early summer |
| Flower stems | Cut them off in the first year to keep leaves coming | Whenever they appear |
Good parsley plant care is mainly consistent moisture and regular harvesting. Dry soil makes the leaves tough and can cause early flowering. For more on watering, see how often to water your vegetable garden, and keep weeds out with our guide to weeds in the vegetable garden.
Growing Parsley in Pots
Growing parsley in pots is ideal for a patio, balcony or kitchen step. Because parsley has a taproot, choose a deeper pot than for many other herbs.
| Container tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Pot size | At least 8 inches deep for one plant; a long window box for several |
| Potting mix | Good-quality potting mix with some compost |
| Drainage | Drainage holes are essential |
| Sun | At least six hours; morning sun is ideal in hot climates |
| Watering | Check daily in summer; pots dry out much faster than beds |
| Feeding | Liquid fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks outdoors, as the University of Minnesota advises |
Parsley pairs well in a pot with chives or basil, which like similar moisture. Keep thyme and sage in their own pots, as they prefer drier soil. For more ideas, see growing plants in pots and tips for vegetable gardening on a windowsill.
How to Harvest Parsley
Knowing how to harvest parsley keeps plants productive for months. The University of Minnesota Extension advises snipping the stalks close to the ground, starting with the outside stalks.
- Start harvesting when plants have at least 8 to 10 leaf stems.
- Cut the outer, older stems at the base; new growth comes from the center.
- Never cut the center of the plant, or it stops producing.
- Take no more than a third of the plant at a time.
- Harvest regularly; the plant keeps producing until it flowers.
Need a big bunch at once? Purdue University notes that commercial growers cut parsley at least 1 to 1¼ inches above the crown when they want the plant to regrow for more cuttings. At home, you can do the same with a few plants at a time, while you keep picking the outer stems from the others.
Storing, Drying and Freezing Parsley
| Method | How | Keeps |
|---|---|---|
| In water | Stand stems in a glass of water in the refrigerator, loosely covered | About a week |
| Freezing | Chop leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with water or oil | Several months |
| Drying | Dry leaves in a warm, airy, shady place; store in an airtight jar | Months, with milder flavor |
Parsley loses more flavor when dried than thyme or sage, so freezing is usually the better option for winter cooking.
Parsley in Winter
- Parsley tolerates light frost and often keeps producing well into late fall.
- In mild areas, plants overwinter and give an early harvest the next spring before they flower.
- Flat-leaf parsley overwinters better than curly parsley, according to the University of Wisconsin.
- In cold regions, plants often die in winter; a layer of straw can help.
- For winter leaves, pot up a young plant in late summer and keep it on a bright windowsill.
See how to grow herbs indoors for indoor growing, and our guide to winterizing your garden.
Parsley Seedlings and Damping-Off
Young parsley seedlings can suddenly collapse at the soil line. This is damping-off, a fungal problem that Purdue University links to cold, wet soil.
- Sow outdoors only when the soil is workable and starting to warm.
- Use fresh, sterile seed-starting mix indoors.
- Water from below and avoid keeping the surface soggy.
- Give seedlings good airflow and bright light.
- Thin seedlings early, so they do not crowd each other.
Using Fresh Parsley
- Chop flat-leaf parsley into salads, grain dishes and tabbouleh.
- Stir it into sauces such as chimichurri, salsa verde and gremolata.
- Add it to soups and stews at the end of cooking for a fresh flavor.
- Use curly parsley as a garnish or in fried parsley.
- Roast or mash the roots of Hamburg parsley like parsnips.
Parsley combines well with fresh mint in salads and with thyme in a classic bouquet garni.
Swallowtail Caterpillars on Parsley
Green caterpillars with black bands and yellow spots on your parsley are the larvae of the black swallowtail butterfly. The University of Wisconsin notes that they rarely cause significant damage and can be picked off or moved.
- Plant a few extra parsley plants for the caterpillars, and move them there.
- Avoid spraying insecticides on parsley; they also kill these butterflies.
- If damage is heavy, cover young plants with fine netting.
Many gardeners grow parsley on purpose as a host plant for swallowtail butterflies.
Parsley Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds do not sprout | Old seed, dry soil or impatience | Soak seeds; keep evenly moist; wait up to five weeks |
| Yellow leaves | Waterlogged soil or lack of nutrients | Improve drainage; feed lightly |
| Plant flowers in first year | Heat or drought stress | Water evenly; give afternoon shade |
| Holes in leaves | Caterpillars or slugs | Pick off; see our slug guide |
| Aphids | Clusters on new growth | Spray off with water |
Seedlings are popular with slugs; see how to get rid of slugs. For other pests, see our garden insects guide.
Companion Planting with Parsley
Parsley grows well alongside tomatoes, asparagus, chives and roses. When it flowers in its second year, the small umbels attract hoverflies and parasitic wasps that help control aphids and other pests. Keep it away from mint, which spreads into its space.
See what grows well with tomatoes for more combinations, and our other herb guides on mint, cilantro and thyme.
What You Need
You do not need much to learn how to grow parsley well. These basics make parsley plant care easier:
| Item | Why it helps | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Deep pot or window box | Room for the taproot | At least 8 inches deep |
| Sharp pruners or herb snips | Clean cuts for harvesting and pruning | See our gardening tool sets guide |
| Gardening gloves | Protect your hands when planting and weeding | See our gardening gloves guide |
| Hose nozzle with a gentle shower setting | Waters seedlings and pots without washing out soil | See our garden hose nozzle guide |
| Kneeling pad | More comfortable sowing, planting and weeding | See our kneeling pad guide |
More Herb Guides
Building a kitchen herb garden? Our other herb guides explain how to grow mint, how to grow thyme, how to grow cilantro and how to grow sage. To grow herbs on a windowsill in winter, see how to grow herbs indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between parsley and cilantro?
They look similar, especially flat-leaf parsley, but cilantro has rounder, more lobed leaves and a strong citrusy smell. Parsley is a biennial that keeps producing for months; cilantro is an annual that bolts quickly in warm weather.
How do I grow parsley from seed?
Soak the seeds overnight, sow them about ⅛ inch deep after the last frost or indoors 6 to 10 weeks earlier, keep the soil evenly moist and expect germination in two to five weeks.
Why is parsley so slow to germinate?
Parsley seeds naturally germinate slowly and unevenly, especially in cool, wet soil and when the seed is old. Soaking the seeds in warm water for up to 24 hours and keeping the soil evenly moist help.
Is flat-leaf parsley better than curly parsley?
Flat-leaf parsley has a stronger flavor and overwinters better, so most cooks prefer it. Curly parsley is milder and more decorative.
How do I harvest parsley so it keeps growing?
Cut the outer stems at the base and leave the center of the plant untouched. Take no more than a third of the plant at once.
Does parsley need full sun?
Parsley grows best with six to eight hours of sun, but it tolerates light shade, which can help in hot summers.
How often should I water parsley?
Water deeply at least once a week, and more often in hot weather or in pots. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Is growing parsley in pots easy?
Yes. Use a pot at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes, good potting mix, six hours of sun and regular watering and feeding.
Does parsley come back every year?
Parsley is a biennial. It often survives the first winter and gives an early harvest, but then it flowers and dies. Sow new plants every year.
What are the caterpillars on my parsley?
Usually black swallowtail caterpillars. They rarely cause serious damage and can be moved to a few extra plants.
Can I grow parsley indoors in winter?
Yes, in a bright window. Pot up a young plant in late summer or sow fresh seed, and feed it every four to six weeks.
Can I grow parsley with other herbs in one pot?
Yes, with herbs that like similar moisture, such as chives or basil. Keep parsley away from thyme, sage and rosemary, which need drier soil, and from mint, which spreads.
Why is my parsley bolting?
Second-year plants always flower. First-year plants can flower early because of heat or drought stress. Keep the soil moist and give afternoon shade in hot climates.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to grow parsley: soak the seeds, be patient with germination, give the plants fertile, moist soil and plenty of light, and harvest the outer stems often. Choose flat-leaf parsley for flavor and curly parsley for decoration.
With good parsley plant care, growing parsley in pots or beds is easy and rewarding. Knowing how to harvest parsley correctly keeps the plants producing for months, and sowing a few new plants each year gives you fresh parsley year after year.
Sources: University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension: parsley; University of Minnesota Extension: growing parsley; Purdue University Extension: parsley.
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