How to Grow Parsley – A Guide to Growing Parsley
Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb that offers a variety of vitamins and minerals while also providing antioxidants and fibre. It can be used fresh in salads, sauces, and garnishes or dried for long-term storage.
There are two main types of parsley, flat leaves and curly leaves. It is thought that due to the similarity between flat leaf parsley and the poisonous weed fool’s or dog parsley (a member of the hemlock family) the curly leaf varieties were developed .
Parsley will happily grow in a pot on your windowsill so it can be used throughout the year.
Varieties of Parsley
There are two main types of parsley, flat leaved and curly leaved.
The flat leaved varieties of parsley (often referred to as French or Italian parsley) tend to have a stronger flavour than the curly leaved varieties .
Amongst the most popular varieties of curly leaved parsley are Favorit and Moss Curled .
Pests and Problems with Parsley
Parsley is generally trouble free although it can be difficult to germinate.
Growing Parsley
Parsley can be sown directly outside but is notorious for being slow and difficult to germinate. Sterilising the drill before sowing with boiling water often helps. See this video on sowing parsley.
As parsley is tricky to germinate it is best started off indoors. Consequently, I just use a multi-purpose compost and sow 4 or 5 seeds per module (15 units to a tray). Then cover the seed lightly giving about 25ºC bottom heat. You could do that indoors over a radiator if you don’t have a propagator. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause the seedlings to rot off.
For pot plants in the kitchen window. Sow around 10 seeds per 10cm pot in muti-purpose compost with bottom heat.
Once established they can be either kept in the pot on a windowsill, in a container on the patio or plant directly into the garden in a sunny or partial shady position.
If you’ve a nice decorative plant pot, just pop the plant pot inside that. Once the parsley is used, just replace with another pot from the greenhouse. That way it always looks good.
Although parsley is a biennial plant, it is usually grown as an annual because it bolts to seed so quickly in the second year
Harvesting Parsley
You can pick parsley when needed but if keeping parsley for the second year pick frequently to deter the plant from flowering and bolting.
Eating & Storing Parsley
Parsley is mainly used as a garnish or a flavouring herb, but it is delicious added to a soup or into a sauce. It can be deep fried and served as a separate vegetable.
Parsley is suitable for freezing and drying.
Nutrition Facts
Parsley is a highly nutritious herb that provides a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In a nutshell, parsley is very good for you. Above all, it’s extremely high in vitamin K which is essential for blood clotting and healthy bones and contains vitamins C & A along with minerals
Here are some of the key nutrients found in parsley:
1. Vitamins
- Vitamin K: Parsley is especially high in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health. Just a small amount can provide over 500% of the daily recommended intake.
- Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant supports immune function, skin health, and collagen production. Parsley offers a good dose of vitamin C.
- Vitamin A: Parsley contains beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is important for eye health, immune function, and skin health.
- Folate (Vitamin B9): Folate is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis, which makes it especially important for pregnant women and in growth.
2. Minerals
- Iron: Parsley provides a modest amount of iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout the body. It’s especially beneficial when consumed with vitamin C–rich foods that enhance iron absorption.
- Calcium: Parsley contains some calcium, supporting bone health and muscle function.
- Potassium: This mineral helps regulate blood pressure and balance fluids in the body.
- Magnesium: Found in smaller amounts, magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health.
3. Antioxidants
- Flavonoids (including apigenin, luteolin, and myricetin): These compounds help protect cells from oxidative damage and have been linked to anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and heart-protective effects.
- Carotenoids (beta-carotene and lutein): These antioxidants are good for eye health and may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
4. Fibre
- Parsley contains a small amount of fibre, which supports digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
