The Growth of Parsley

Planting Needs

• Parsley thrives in a garden bed that receives full, all-day sunlight. It tolerates light, late-season frosts and continues to grow through the warm summer months. Parsley grows best in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A soil test determines the pH of your planting site and gives recommendations for any necessary amendments to bring the pH level into the preferred range. The plant requires minimal fertilization but does benefit from the nutrients in organic matter. Work compost into the bed before planting to improve the organic matter content of the soil.

Seed Germination

• The seeds germinate slowly, so start them indoors under controlled conditions. Start the seeds in late winter eight weeks before the last frost so you can plant the seedlings in the bed two to three weeks before the last expected spring frost. Soaking the seeds in warm water overnight before sowing helps speed germination and growth. The seeds may take up to three weeks to sprout. If you prefer to plant the seeds outdoors, soak them and sow them outside once the ground thaws out completely in spring. Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep and thin them to 10 inches apart once they sprout. The young parsley plants resemble grass as they emerge.

Water and Fertilization

• Soil moisture helps ensure healthy growth and prevents stress to the parsley plants. Irrigate the bed at least once a week. Water deeply at the base the of the plants so the moisture penetrates to the roots. A light mulch applied after the parsley begins growing prevents the soil from drying out too quickly during dry periods. Fertilize the plants with 5-10-5 fertilizer halfway through the growing season to encourage further growth and production. Application rates depend on your soil quality, but 3 ounces per 10 foot row is sufficient in most gardens.

Harvest

• The leaves are ready to harvest as soon as the plant is about 6 inches tall, and you can continue to harvest the parsley throughout the spring, summer and fall. Cut off entire leaf stems from the outside of the plant as you need them, but don't remove more than half the parsley foliage at a single time. Frequent harvesting encourages the parsley to put on more growth. Parsley may survive winter in mild climates, but it begins growing flowers and setting seed in the second year. Flower production ruins the flavor of the parsley, so cut of flowers before they bloom if you prefer a continual harvest of leaves.