LATIN NAME: Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Beloved for its emerald color and attractive leafy foliage, parsley makes a popular choice as an ornamental edible. Classically used as a garnish, it is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B, and its flavor compliments many foods. The low mounds of curly or moss-leaf types grow 6 to 12 inches high and work best as edging or tucked between low bedding plants such as pansies and marigolds. Flat-leaved or Italian parsley, which grows taller (to 18 inches) and more openly, looks pleasing in an informal border. Parsley grows well in containers and looks good with white or pastel flowers. Include some in butterfly gardens as food for larvae.
GERM. DATE: Late May
GERM. TIME: 21-28 days
TRANSPLANT DATE: Early June
TYPE OF PLANT: Biennial, Herb
BLOOM CYCLE:
pH LEVEL:
SEED DEPTH: ¼ inch
HEIGHT OF PLANT: 12-16 inches
WIDTH OF PLANT:
PLANT SPACING: 10 inches
ROW SPACING:
DAYS TO HARVEST:
ZONE REQUIREMENTS: A biennial grown as a half-hardy annual in zones 2 to 11, but may be grown year-round in zones 9 to 11. Grows best in cool weather.
FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTS:
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Full sun to part shade
WATER REQUIREMENTS: Moist
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Fertile, well-drained soil
DISEASE PROBLEMS:
PEST/INSECT PROBLEMS: Parsley worm, larvae of black swallowtail butterfly, often troublesome.
SOLUTIONS:
HOW TO GROW: Soak seeds in warm water overnight, then sow indoors at 60°F, 10 to 12 weeks before last frost. Unless soaked, seeds may take at least 3 weeks to germinate. May sow outdoors in fall. Space 6 to 12 inches apart. Set out young nursery plants after last frost. Pull out and replace overwintered plants; they produce few leaves and quickly form seed heads. If allowed to self-sow, stand may perpetuate itself.
HARVEST NOTES: Pick young sprigs as needed for garnish and fresh use.
SPECIAL CARE/NOTES: Harden off before transplanting. Unless soaked, seeds may take at least 3 weeks to germinate.
STORE BY: Chop curly varieties and freeze.
PRESERVE BY: Dry thoroughly in shade to preserve color; store in airtight containers.
USES FOR PLANT: Can be used in cooking, fresh or dried; classically used as a garnish.
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