Parsley Seeds - Double Curled Parsley - Petroselinum crispum

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Parsley is grown as a hardy annual in most climates, but it is technically a biennial and will overwinter in milder regions (roughly zones 5-9) to produce a second, earlier crop in its second year before going to seed.

Best Performance - Thrives in the cool weather of spring and fall. It prefers temperatures between 50-75 degrees F and will have the best flavor and most tender leaves under these conditions.

Northern Zones (2-5) - Sow seeds in early spring for a continuous harvest from summer through fall. Parsley is quite frost-tolerant and will often be one of the last herbs you can harvest from the garden.

Hot Climate Zones (8-11) - Best planted in the fall for a long harvest season through the winter and into the spring. Summer heat will cause the plant to slow down and eventually bolt (go to seed). Planting in a location with afternoon shade can help extend the spring harvest.

Soil Temperature - Germination is notoriously slow and can be erratic. Soaking seeds for 24 hours before planting can help. Optimal soil temperatures are between 60-75 degrees F.

Growing Season - Parsley is ready for its first light harvest in approximately 70-90 days from sowing. Once established, it can be harvested continuously throughout the season.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost. For direct sowing, plant in the garden in early spring, around the time of your last frost. For a fall and winter crop in mild climates, sow seeds in late summer.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun to partial afternoon shade. Parsley performs well with at least 6 hours of sun but appreciates some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in warmer zones. It prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil.

How to Plant:

Note on Germination: Parsley is very slow to germinate, often taking 14-30 days. To speed up the process, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.

Direct Sow: Prepare the garden bed by working in some compost. Sow seeds shallowly, about 1/4 inch deep. Plant seeds about 1-2 inches apart, and thin seedlings to a final spacing of 6-10 inches apart.

Indoor Start: Sow seeds in pots or trays 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm. Transplant hardened-off seedlings to the garden after the danger of hard frost has passed.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Parsley needs consistent moisture for the best flavor and most tender leaves. Water regularly, not allowing the soil to dry out completely. Mulching can help retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing: Feed the plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season to encourage lush, leafy growth.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting once the plant has a good number of stems. Snip the outer stems from the base of the plant, leaving the inner shoots to continue growing. Regular harvesting encourages a fuller, more productive plant.

Pests: Keep an eye out for the green and black striped caterpillars of the Black Swallowtail butterfly. If you enjoy butterflies, consider planting enough parsley to share with them!