How to Grow Flat Leaf Italian Parsley

Choose a garden or patio location that receives full sun or dappled shade. You'll be able to fit about two parsley plants to each square foot of garden or planter space. For garden borders, plan to put flat-leafed parsley in the back or middle row since this variety reaches up to 3 feet tall.

Work a 1-inch layer of compost or manure into the area in which you will be growing parsley. Parsley prefers rich soil. If you grow herbs in containers, add one part compost to every two parts potting soil.

Soak parsley seeds overnight in a bowl or between two damp paper towels. This method helps jump-start germination, which can take several weeks. Seed the garden with parsley in early or mid spring.

Sow parsley seeds about 3 inches apart. Set the seeds on the surface of the soil and sprinkle a 1/8-inch layer of soil over the seeds.

Water the area gently with a watering can or hose set to a low stream.

Thin plants to 6 to 8 inches apart once the seedlings emerge.

Mulch the parsley patch or container with grass clippings or chopped leaves. Mulch helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Water once a week during times of low rainfall. A deep watering is best; check to see that the soil is damp to at least 1 inch below the surface.

Fertilize the plants at least once during their growing season with organic or synthetic fertilizer. Container-grown plants prefer liquid fertilizer. For garden bed parsley, set a 1-inch layer of solid compost or a balanced fertilizer in circles around each parsley plant and gently work the fertilizer into the soil.

Cut parsley stalks regularly to ensure the herbs thrive as well as to harvest parsley for cooking. Snip the outer stalks at the base of the plant.