Parsley

Growing Guide

Native to the Mediterranean, parsley is a rich source of vitamin C and iron, and is said to cure bad breath and cleanse the skin. Easy to grow, even in part shade, parsley can be grown in containers or borders, and freshly picked leaves will depth and flavour to your cooking.

Direct sow parsley seed outdoors from May to July. Grow parsley in a well prepared seedbed in full sun or partial shade. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 1cm in drills 30cm apart. When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 25cm apart. Parsley seeds are very slow to germinate taking up to 35 days, especially in wet, cold soils.

Seeds can also be sown indoors August to April for fresh leaves all year round. Sow into 7.5cm pots of free-draining seed compost. After gemination thin pot grown parsley to a few strong seedlings per pot and keep on a sunny windowsill for easy picking as required, or if preferred gradually acclimatise parsley plants to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting outdoors when risk of frost has passed.

TOP TIPS

According to an old English folk tale, parsley grows best in a household where the wife wears the trousers. Whether you choose to grow parsley for mythical or feminist reasons, or for its culinary and medicinal properties, it's a great addition to your herb collection.

Grow curled and flat-leaf parsley in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Harvest the leaves as and when you need to. Sow seed every few weeks for a successional harvest.

Feed and water parsley plants regularly. Harvest parsley leaves regularly to encourage fresh new growth. Parsley is biennial and will require replacing after the second season once it begins to flower and produce seed.