If you want to grow a fresh, flavorful herb at home, parsley is one of the best choices for a beginner-friendly herb garden. Learning how to grow parsley is relatively easy once you understand its basic growing requirements. Parsley can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, containers, and even indoors on a sunny windowsill.
Known for its fresh green color and distinctive flavor, parsley is widely used in salads, soups, sauces, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, and many other recipes. Growing parsley at home gives you easy access to fresh leaves whenever you need them.
Parsley is also an attractive plant that can add texture and color to your garden. With the right care, a single planting can provide fresh leaves for an extended period.
In this complete guide, you will learn everything you need to know about how to grow parsley, including how to grow parsley from seeds, the best time to plant, how much sunlight parsley needs, the best soil, watering requirements, growing parsley in pots, harvesting, pruning, common problems, and how to keep your plants productive.
Table of Contents
- What Is Parsley?
- How to Grow Parsley
- How to Grow Parsley From Seeds
- When Is the Best Time to Plant Parsley?
- Where to Plant Parsley
- How Much Sunlight Does Parsley Need?
- Best Soil for Growing Parsley
- How Often Should You Water Parsley?
- How to Grow Parsley in Pots
- How to Grow Parsley Indoors
- How to Fertilize Parsley
- How to Prune Parsley
- When to Harvest Parsley
- How to Store Fresh Parsley
- How to Dry Parsley
- Common Problems When Growing Parsley
- Does Parsley Come Back Every Year?
- How to Save Parsley Seeds
- How to Keep Parsley Healthy
- Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Parsley
- How long does parsley take to grow?
- Does parsley need full sun?
- How often should I water parsley?
- Can I grow parsley in a container?
- Can parsley grow indoors?
- Why is my parsley turning yellow?
- How do I make parsley grow bushier?
- Does parsley come back every year?
- Can I grow parsley from cuttings?
- When should I harvest parsley?
- Can parsley survive winter?
- How do I store fresh parsley?
- Final Thoughts on How to Grow Parsley
What Is Parsley?
Parsley is a popular culinary herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. Its botanical name is Petroselinum crispum.
There are two main types of parsley commonly grown by gardeners:
- Curly-leaf parsley
- Italian or flat-leaf parsley
Curly parsley has tightly curled leaves and is often used as a garnish, although it can also be used in cooking.
Italian parsley has flat, broader leaves and a stronger flavor. Many cooks prefer flat-leaf parsley for sauces, soups, salads, and other recipes.
Parsley is generally grown as a biennial plant. During its first year, it produces leaves. In the second year, it typically sends up a flower stalk, produces seeds, and completes its life cycle.
Because parsley is relatively compact, it is an excellent herb for small gardens and containers.
How to Grow Parsley
Growing parsley is simple when you provide the plant with the right conditions.
Parsley prefers fertile soil, consistent moisture, and plenty of sunlight. Unlike some Mediterranean herbs, parsley does not prefer extremely dry conditions.
Here are the basic requirements for growing parsley:
- Sunlight: 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day
- Soil: Fertile, loose, well-draining soil
- Water: Consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Temperature: Cool to moderate temperatures
- Spacing: About 8 to 12 inches between plants
- Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
- Harvest: Begin harvesting once the plant has enough mature leaves
Parsley is most commonly grown from seeds, although you can also purchase young plants from a nursery.
Growing parsley from seed takes patience because the seeds can be slow to germinate. However, once established, parsley is relatively easy to maintain.
How to Grow Parsley From Seeds
Growing parsley from seeds is the most common way to start a new crop.
The biggest challenge is that parsley seeds can take several weeks to germinate. Do not be discouraged if you do not see seedlings immediately.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Select a location that receives several hours of sunlight each day.
Parsley can grow in full sun in cooler climates but may appreciate some afternoon shade in areas with very hot summers.
If growing parsley indoors, choose a bright windowsill.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
Parsley grows best in loose, fertile soil that drains well.
Before planting, remove weeds and break up compacted soil.
Adding compost can improve soil structure and provide nutrients for healthy growth.
If growing parsley in a container, use a quality potting mix that drains well.
Step 3: Sow the Seeds
Plant parsley seeds according to the depth recommended on the seed packet.
Because parsley seeds can germinate slowly, keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Step 4: Be Patient
Parsley seeds may take several weeks to germinate.
Keep the soil moist and provide suitable temperatures.
Once the seedlings emerge, continue providing plenty of light.
Step 5: Thin the Seedlings
If multiple seedlings emerge close together, thin them carefully to provide enough space for each plant.
Crowded plants may compete for light, water, and nutrients.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Parsley?
The best planting time depends on your climate.
Parsley generally prefers cool to moderate temperatures and can tolerate light frost once established.
In many regions, you can plant parsley in early spring.
You can also plant it in late summer or early fall for a cool-season harvest, depending on your local climate.
If you live in an area with mild winters, parsley may continue growing through much of the winter.
For indoor growing, parsley can be planted at almost any time of year as long as the plant receives sufficient light.
Check your local growing conditions to determine the best planting time for your area.
Where to Plant Parsley
Choosing the right location is an important part of learning how to grow parsley.
Parsley grows well in:
- Herb gardens
- Vegetable gardens
- Raised beds
- Container gardens
- Patio planters
- Sunny windowsills
Choose a location with good drainage and adequate sunlight.
In hot climates, parsley may benefit from afternoon shade.
Avoid planting parsley in areas where water collects after rain.
Although parsley prefers consistently moist soil, its roots should not remain in standing water.
Good air circulation can also help reduce the risk of fungal problems.
How Much Sunlight Does Parsley Need?
Parsley generally grows best with around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day.
In cooler climates, parsley can tolerate more direct sunlight.
In hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat.
If parsley receives too little sunlight, the plant may grow slowly and produce thinner stems.
When growing parsley indoors, place the pot near a bright window.
Rotate the container occasionally so the plant receives light evenly.
If natural sunlight is limited, especially during winter, a suitable grow light can help support healthy growth.
Best Soil for Growing Parsley
Parsley prefers fertile, loose, well-draining soil.
The soil should hold enough moisture to support steady growth while allowing excess water to drain away.
Before planting, improve poor soil by adding compost or other suitable organic matter.
For container-grown parsley, use a quality potting mix designed for herbs or vegetables.
Avoid heavy soil that becomes compacted easily.
Good soil preparation is especially important when growing parsley from seed because young seedlings need a healthy environment for their roots to develop.
How Often Should You Water Parsley?
Parsley prefers consistent moisture.
Unlike drought-tolerant herbs such as thyme or oregano, parsley does not like to dry out completely for long periods.
Water when the top layer of soil begins to dry.
During hot or dry weather, parsley may require more frequent watering.
Container-grown parsley may also need more water because pots dry out faster than garden soil.
However, avoid overwatering.
The soil should be moist but not constantly saturated.
Check the soil with your finger before watering. If the top inch feels dry, it may be time to water.
Water deeply enough to moisten the root zone, then allow excess water to drain away.
How to Grow Parsley in Pots
Parsley is an excellent herb for container gardening.
Choose a container that is at least 8 to 12 inches deep and has drainage holes.
Parsley develops a relatively long taproot, so a deeper container is generally better than a very shallow pot.
Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.
Plant parsley and place the container in a location that receives several hours of sunlight.
Container-grown parsley is convenient because you can keep it close to your kitchen.
Balconies, patios, decks, and sunny windowsills can all be suitable locations.
Check the soil regularly because containers can dry out faster than garden beds.
If the plant becomes crowded or the soil becomes depleted, consider moving it into a larger container or refreshing the growing medium.
How to Grow Parsley Indoors
Growing parsley indoors is a great option for gardeners who want fresh herbs throughout the year.
Choose a container with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Place the pot near a bright window where it can receive several hours of sunlight.
Parsley may grow more slowly indoors than outdoors, especially during winter.
Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or directly next to heating vents.
Water when the soil begins to dry, but avoid keeping it constantly wet.
If your parsley becomes thin or weak, it may need more light.
Moving it closer to a sunny window or using supplemental lighting can help.
Growing parsley indoors also makes harvesting easy because you can simply snip a few leaves whenever you need them.
How to Fertilize Parsley
Parsley benefits from fertile soil but does not require excessive fertilizer.
If the soil has been enriched with compost, additional feeding may not be necessary during the early stages of growth.
For plants grown in containers, occasional feeding may be helpful because nutrients can gradually become depleted from the potting mix.
A balanced fertilizer applied according to the label instructions can support healthy growth.
Avoid overfertilizing because excessive nutrients can lead to weak or overly soft growth.
Adding compost to the soil at the beginning of the growing season can also provide a gentle source of nutrients.
How to Prune Parsley
Pruning parsley is simple because harvesting naturally encourages new growth.
Instead of cutting only the tops of individual stems, harvest the outer stems first.
Use clean scissors to cut the stems close to the base of the plant.
This allows the younger leaves in the center to continue developing.
Regular harvesting helps maintain a productive plant and prevents the parsley from becoming overcrowded.
Remove yellow, damaged, or dead leaves as needed.
If the plant begins producing a tall flower stalk during its second year, you can allow it to flower for seed production or remove the stalk if you want to continue harvesting leaves for a little longer.
When to Harvest Parsley
You can begin harvesting parsley once the plant has developed enough mature leaves.
For the best flavor, harvest fresh leaves as needed.
Use clean scissors to cut the outer stems near the base.
Avoid removing too many leaves at once. A good approach is to harvest only a portion of the plant and leave plenty of healthy foliage behind.
Fresh parsley generally has the best flavor when used immediately after harvesting.
You can add freshly chopped parsley to salads, soups, sauces, pasta, roasted vegetables, potatoes, fish, meat, and many other dishes.
Regular harvesting encourages the plant to continue producing new leaves.
How to Store Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley can be stored in the refrigerator for several days.
One simple method is to place the stems in a glass or jar with a small amount of water, similar to storing fresh flowers.
You can loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and place the container in the refrigerator.
Another option is to wrap fresh parsley loosely in a damp paper towel and place it inside a storage container or bag.
For longer-term storage, parsley can also be frozen.
Chop the leaves and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Frozen parsley may not have the same texture as fresh parsley, but it works well in cooked dishes such as soups, sauces, and stews.
How to Dry Parsley
Parsley can also be dried for long-term storage.
Harvest healthy stems and gently clean them if necessary.
Allow the leaves to dry completely before starting the drying process.
You can dry parsley by using a food dehydrator or another suitable low-temperature drying method.
Once completely dry, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
Keep dried parsley in a cool, dark place.
Dried parsley is convenient for cooking, although its flavor is generally milder than fresh or frozen parsley.
Common Problems When Growing Parsley
Parsley is relatively easy to grow, but several common problems can affect the plant.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, or natural aging.
Check the soil moisture and make sure excess water can drain freely.
If the plant is grown in a container, make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Slow Germination
Parsley seeds can take several weeks to germinate.
Keep the soil consistently moist and be patient.
Avoid allowing the seedbed to dry out during the germination period.
Leggy Growth
If parsley becomes thin and stretched, insufficient light may be the cause.
Move the plant to a brighter location.
Pests
Parsley can occasionally attract pests such as aphids, caterpillars, or other insects.
Inspect the leaves regularly, especially new growth and the undersides of leaves.
Remove pests when possible and use a suitable treatment if necessary.
Fungal Problems
Excess moisture and poor air circulation can increase the risk of fungal problems.
Avoid overcrowding plants and water the soil rather than constantly wetting the foliage.
Does Parsley Come Back Every Year?
Parsley is generally considered a biennial plant.
During the first year, it focuses on producing leaves and developing its root system.
During the second year, it typically produces a flower stalk, flowers, and seeds before completing its life cycle.
In mild climates, parsley may survive through winter and continue growing into its second year.
If you want a continuous supply of fresh parsley, it is a good idea to plant new seeds regularly.
You can also allow some plants to flower and produce seeds for future planting.
How to Save Parsley Seeds
If you allow parsley to flower during its second year, the plant may produce seeds.
Let the flower heads mature and dry naturally on the plant.
Once the seeds are fully developed and dry, collect them carefully.
Store the seeds in a cool, dry location in an airtight container.
Label the container with the variety and date.
Saving seeds from your own parsley plants can help you maintain a continuous supply for future growing seasons.
How to Keep Parsley Healthy
Follow these simple tips to keep your parsley plants healthy and productive:
- Plant parsley in fertile, well-draining soil.
- Provide 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day.
- Give plants some afternoon shade in very hot climates.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Avoid waterlogged soil.
- Harvest outer stems regularly.
- Remove yellow or damaged leaves.
- Provide good air circulation.
- Fertilize lightly when necessary.
- Start new plants regularly for a continuous harvest.
The most important thing to remember is that parsley prefers consistent moisture and moderate temperatures.
Unlike Mediterranean herbs, it does not perform best when allowed to become extremely dry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Parsley
How long does parsley take to grow?
Parsley can take several weeks to germinate from seed. Once established, the plant will gradually produce larger leaves that can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Does parsley need full sun?
Parsley generally grows well with 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. In hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant.
How often should I water parsley?
Water parsley when the top layer of soil begins to dry. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
Can I grow parsley in a container?
Yes. Parsley grows very well in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 8 to 12 inches deep with good drainage.
Can parsley grow indoors?
Yes. Parsley can grow indoors near a bright window. Make sure the plant receives enough sunlight and avoid overwatering.
Why is my parsley turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient problems, or natural aging. Check the soil moisture and growing conditions.
How do I make parsley grow bushier?
Harvest the outer stems regularly and cut them close to the base. This allows younger leaves in the center to continue developing.
Does parsley come back every year?
Parsley is usually biennial. It produces leaves during its first year and typically flowers and produces seeds during its second year.
Can I grow parsley from cuttings?
Parsley is generally grown from seeds rather than traditional stem cuttings. Starting from seed is the most common method.
When should I harvest parsley?
Harvest parsley once the plant has developed several mature stems. Cut the outer stems near the base and leave the younger central growth intact.
Can parsley survive winter?
Parsley can tolerate cool temperatures and light frost. In mild climates, it may survive winter and continue growing into the following season.
How do I store fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley can be stored in the refrigerator with the stems placed in a small amount of water or wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel.
Final Thoughts on How to Grow Parsley
Learning how to grow parsley is a rewarding project for gardeners of all experience levels. This versatile herb can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, containers, and sunny indoor spaces.
The most important things to remember are to provide fertile, well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and enough sunlight.
Parsley can take some time to germinate from seed, so patience is important during the early stages. Once established, regular harvesting will encourage the plant to continue producing fresh leaves.
Whether you prefer curly-leaf parsley or flavorful Italian flat-leaf parsley, growing your own plants gives you a convenient supply of fresh herbs for everyday cooking.
With proper care, you can enjoy parsley throughout the growing season and preserve extra leaves by freezing or drying them.
If you are building a home herb garden, parsley is an excellent plant to include. It is relatively easy to grow, useful in countless recipes, and adaptable enough for both outdoor and indoor gardening.