Does Parsley Need Shade?

Light Requirements

• All parsley plants flourish in abundant sunshine. Full to partial sun locations in the garden provide ample light to sustain photosynthesis in the foliage, resulting in better growth and more leaf production. Any spot that provides at least six hours of uninterrupted sun rays daily will suffice. Too much shade or bright, indirect light slows the plant's growth. Leaves and stems become spindly and floppy, and new leaves rarely occur.

Regional Considerations

• In the northern United States, Canada and high-elevation areas with cooler summers, it's better to plant parsley in full sun locations that receive 10 or more hours of sun rays each day. In the longer, hotter summer climates in the southern U.S., partial-sun settings are adequate. Too much hot sunlight coupled with hot temperatures increases parsley's need for watering to maintain an evenly moist soil. Climates with hot and dry summers, such as in the low deserts of the Southwest, are hard on parsley, so plant it in partial sun, with shade in the heat of the afternoon.

Relevance of Soil

• Porosity and moisture levels in garden soil also affect how much sunlight a parsley plant requires. The best garden sites for parsley provide a fertile sand or loam soil that is crumbly in texture and enriched with organic matter. Avoid both bone dry and soggy soil conditions. In hot summer regions, a fertile, moisture-retentive loam soil keeps the parsley growing and looking healthier than if it's planted in a sandy garden soil. In areas with cool summers, the garden soil can become slightly drier in comparison without causing visible signs of stress such as wilting or leaf yellowing. Wet soils and shade causes plant rot and death.

Planting Insight

• Parsley seed is slow to germinate, taking about a month before any signs of tiny green sprouts emerge from the soil. Be patient and do not assume light levels or soil is causing the seeds to take such a long time to grow. Sow parsley seed at the appropriate time in your region, based on summer heat or availability of rainfall. In the northern U.S., sow seeds in mid-spring. In the southern U.S., sow in very early spring or early fall, since plants grow well across the milder but chilly winters. In peninsular Florida, Hawaii and the low deserts of the Southwest, sow seeds in fall to avoid the issues associated with intense summer heat.