You must be familiar with parsley, mostly applied as a garnish on our favorite dishes. And its usefulness exceeds visual appeal on a plate! But before we take a look at “how to grow parsley,” let’s learn something about its history. In classical antiquity, parsley was a useful factor for the Greeks in making the victory wreaths for athletic competitions. The Romans would also use it in bridal sprays, which was a means to ward off evil spirits.
Overwintering birds appreciate the seed heads that you leave in place, and it’s among the first plants that chipmunks will forage under once they emerge from hibernation. It acts as an excellent companion herb for roses and veggies, and also creates an appealing, textured border plant. The aromatic greenery, when it comes to the curly leaf variety, is a significant addition when combined with flowers in planters and hanging baskets.
To enjoy parsley’s numerous applications and benefits, let’s look at the ideal growing conditions, and much more!
How To Grow Parsley
Parsley is an annual plant in the North since it grows from spring throughout freezing weather. When it comes to milder climates, it is frost-proof and endures through winter. The next spring after planting, this plant blooms, and then goes to seed and eventually gives out. If you notice it sending up a flower stalk, then it’s come to a point to yank the plant since, at this time, the leaves will have a bitter taste.
The South and South West’s average winters provide ideal growing conditions for parsley, and most gardeners use it in flower beds and pots as green foliage filler with violas and pansies for winter. During summer, the Italian flat-leafed parsley is relatively more heat tolerant compared to curly parsley.
I usually set these plants in partial shade or full sun, with rich, moist soil that has a pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.7. In order to improve the quality of the soil, I mix in some aged compost-enriched in-ground soil with the existing soil’s top layer before planting. At times, I prefer growing parsley in pots, so I feel them with organics. Certain organics consist of nutrient-filled aged compost, although it’s fluffier and lighter compared to in-ground soil, just perfect for pots.
Rich and nutrient-filled soil will also create a strong foundation for parsley growth. However, I always obtain even better results whenever I replenish those nutrients all through the growing season by simply feeding parsley with specific organic products. They’ll not only feed these plants, but they’ll also feed the essential microbes in the soil that assist those plants in consuming all the nutrition they need.
I make sure the soil is moist by watering thoroughly anytime the top inch is dry. To assist in keeping the roots cool and moist, I mulch around the plant. However, I never cover the plant’s crown since the plant will risk becoming rot. In September, I promote new foliage when I cut back plants that are set out in the spring. And this is ideal to grow herb and vegetable beds when it comes to their harvest. If I want to grow parsley year-round regardless of where I live, I choose to grow it indoors. It can be in pots in a sunny window or maybe a water-based growing system (also known as hydroponic).
How to Harvest and Store Parsley
Parsley is best to get whenever you require; I cut the stems at the plant’s base so that new leaves can grow back fast. You might want to grow a few plants to allow you to harvest from one while leaving the other to create new growth.
I think it’s pretty simple to dry and store parsley; however, the flavor is less intense. Since parsley plants are so easy to grow and maintain, it’s better to use a fresh supply. When considering flavor, I chop the parsley finely in my food processor then freeze since I also want to store it for later use. Alternatively, I can divide plants when the season ends, pot them up, and then bring them indoors.
Now that you have learned much of “how to grow parsley,” then you can include it in your garden. Not only does growing parsley add a delicious herb to your particular garden, but also a lovely one! You can also grow parsley inside your home.