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How to Grow, Propagate and Store Parsley

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Parsley is an annual herb that comes in many varieties. It is used in many recipes and as a garnish on many dishes. Parsley even freshens your breath! This herb is easy to grow and definitely has a place in the home garden.

Things You Will Need

Parsley

garden spade

garden hose

compost

gardening gloves

deep pots

compost enhanced soil

rubber bands

small paper bags

seed starter soil

small seed starter pots

airtight containers

Choose a spot to plant your Parsley. This herb requires 5 - 6 hours of full sun but will tolerate some slight shading. It does best in soil that is rich in organic material, well draining, high in nitrogen, and has a pH between 5.5 and 7.5.

Parsley should be planted in spring after the ground has warmed. If direct sowing into the garden, plant seeds at 1/2 inch depth, in rows 10 - 12 inches apart. Once the plant has grown to about 2 inches, thin seedlings to 9 - 12 inches apart. It will grow to approximately 18 inches in height.
This herb can be grown in pots. The plant has a long root so the pot you choose has to be deep.

Parsley seeds will take anywhere from 21 - 28 days to germinate. To assist in faster germination, you can soak the seeds overnight. Seeds should be sown indoors at least 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them to the outdoors. Because the seed germinates so slowly, many prefer to buy these herb plants already started from a local gardening center.

Check plants daily and if you see a flower stem starting to develop, pinch it off. Once Parsley begins to flower, the plant stops producing leaves.

Harvest your choice of leaves as needed. Harvest this herb in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. Parsley's oils will be at their strongest at this point resulting in a higher quality flavor.

To store this herb, gather the stems in a tight bundle and fasten a rubber band around the bottom. Place the bundle in a small paper bag and attach the bag with another rubber band. Slice ventilation slits into bag. Hang the bundle upside down in a warm, dark place. Check the bundle after a few weeks to monitor drying progress. Once dry, store it in airtight containers.