For the Freshest Leaves, Growing
Parsley Yourself is a Must Do!

Popular the world over, growing parsley is a great way to add fresh herbs to any garden and of course to your cooking. 

It's fairly easy to grow, has many culinary uses, is packed full of vitamins and minerals it also comes with many health benefits. So definitely a worthwhile addition to your windowsill or garden. Read more about the plant.

Tips on How to Grow Parsley Herb

You can grow this herb from seeds or the easiest way, buy a young plant from the garden store.

If you don't have much of a garden, the herb is perfect for growing in pots or containers; so ideal for a small area. 

You may have to be patient, the seeds can take a while to germinate; 4-5 weeks without extra heat and 10-20 days if you use a propagator.

Soaking them overnight in warm water prior to planting can help speed things up.

Growing Parsley Seeds Indoors:

Sow the seeds in plugs or pots 4-5 weeks before the average date of the last frost. 4-5 seeds per 3 inch pot in a general potting or seed compost. Water.

Growing Parsley Outdoors:

In winter dig in some well-rotted manure or compost into your herb bed. The bed should be in a sunny sheltered position with well-draining soil.

• After the last frost, plant out seedlings you grew indoors or any bought young plants 8-10 inches (20-25cm) apart
• Prepare shallow drills 12-18 inches apart and thinly sow seeds
• Cover with half an inch (1½cm) of general potting compost
• Whilst waiting for the slow germinating seedlings the soil should be moist at all times
• When the seedlings are robust and large enough to handle, thin to about 8-10 inches (20-25cm) apart
• Water the plants frequently especially during hot weather
• Adding mulch to the soil can help retain moisture. it also helps protect the plants from the cold

Growing Parsley in Containers:

This herb is ideal for container growing. You can sow them straight in your container 4-5 weeks before the average date of the last frost in a heated greenhouse. Then move outside into a sunny position after the last frost.

Alternatively, plant seedlings you have grown indoors into a general potting compost, again after the last frost.

Pests and Diseases:

Watch out for slugs and caterpillars, they'll make short work of your young plants! Remove these by hand.

Harvesting Parsley Leaves and Roots:

Pick the fresh leaves as and when when you require. Cut the outermost stalks just above the ground and you'll get fresh growth. Having more than one plant will ensure you do not overpick.

If you grew the Hamburg variety dig up the roots in autumn. Store in sand.

You can use the fresh leaves to make a healthy drink. Click here for my parsley tea recipe.

Parsley Plant Care:

Early Spring: Sow seeds indoors. Spring: Plant out any seedlings into prepared ground or container. Sow seeds into prepared bed. Summer: Sow another lot of seeds. Cut off flower heads. Autumn: Add mulch or straw for protection so they grow for longer. Winter:Move pots indoors. Dig in manure or compost ready for spring.

Return to the main Growing Herbs page.

Image Links to Other Herb Growing Pages You May Like

Return to Benefits of Parsley 

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