How to Get Seeds From Parsley

Parsley grows as a biennial plant, so it doesn't produce seeds the first year. It flowers and produces viable seeds during the second summer after planting. Most gardeners grow parsley as an annual herb because it dies off in winter cold, but growing two or three plants in a pot allows you to overwinter the parsley so it can produce viable seeds for harvesting. Use your homegrown parsley seeds to replant the herb in your garden each spring, but always set aside a few plants for future seed-saving efforts.

Fertilizer
Paper bag
Bowl
Envelope or jar

Instructions

- 1
  Bring the potted parsley plants indoors before the first fall frost. Set the plants in a warm, sunny window.
- 2
  Water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry. The plants don't require fertilization during the winter months.
- 3
  Move the plants outdoors to a sunny area once spring frost danger is past. Continue to water the plants as necessary. A light application of a soluble fertilizer in spring, following the package-recommended rate, encourages new growth and flowering.
- 4
  Cut off the flower head after the flowers die and the head turns brown and brittle. Place the flower heads in a paper bag.
- 5
  Set the open bag in a warm, well-ventilated area to finish drying for one week. The bag catches any seeds that drop from the flower heads during the drying process.
- 6
  Pour the contents of the bag into a shallow bowl. Rub your thumb along the flower heads to dislodge any seeds that are still attached. Pick out and dispose of the old flowers and stems.
- 7
  Label a jar or envelope with the parsley variety and harvest year. Seal the seeds inside and store them in a cool, dry area.

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