Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Description

Parsley is a biennial that is usually treated as an annual in Illinois. This popular, widely grown herb is easy to grow in gardens, containers and hanging baskets. Parsley forms dense mounds, 6–12 inches tall and 12–15 inches wide. With its bright green leaves and compact growth, parsley is useful in landscape beds too.

There are two forms. The moss-curled or triple-curled parsley is frequently used as a garnish, and the flat-leaf or Italian parsley is used for flavoring. Both are edible and high in vitamins.

How to Grow

Start plants from seed or purchase transplants. Seed should be started very early indoors or in a coldframe. Parsley will grow well in full sun or partial shade. Plants should be spaced 8 inches apart.

Harvesting

Leaves can be snipped anytime during the growing season. They can be used fresh or dried for future use.