I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food. Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic
Parsley can grow in almost any garden, but when caring for this herb there are a few things you need to consider. Here is our guide to cutting, watering and fertilising parsley.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), which originates from the Mediterranean, is a herb that has been used in cooking and medicine since as far back as the Middle Ages. Below you will find all there is to know about parsley plant care.
Parsley is a versatile and flavorful herb that is easy to grow, but proper watering is key to keeping it healthy and productive This herb prefers consistently moist soil, but both under and overwatering can cause issues. So how often should you water parsley? Let’s take a comprehensive look at parsley’s watering needs
How Much Water Does Parsley Need?
Parsley typically needs about 1-2 inches of water per week from irrigation or rainfall during the growing season. For individual plants aim to provide around 1⁄2 gallon of water per square foot of planted area when the soil is dry. Of course adjust amounts based on factors like weather, soil type, and container vs in-ground growing.
The frequent recommendation is to water parsley when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. Parsley has fairly shallow roots, so it’s important to keep moisture in that top level. Thoroughly soaking the root zone when needed, rather than frequent shallow watering, is best.
Outdoor Parsley Watering Frequency
For parsley grown in garden beds or containers outdoors, a deep watering about 1-2 times per week is usually sufficient during the growing months. After watering, the soil should be moist to a depth of 2 or so inches. Then allow the soil to dry out almost completely before soaking it heavily again.
Some gardeners recommend daily watering for parsley during hot, dry weather. But it’s better to check soil moisture before watering on a fixed schedule. Proper drainage is also key – parsley won’t tolerate soggy soil. Mulching around plants helps conserve moisture.
How Often to Water Potted Parsley
Parsley grown in containers and pots often needs more frequent watering than in-ground plants. The potting mix dries out faster than garden soil. For pots, it’s best to check the soil moisture every day and water whenever the top inch is dry. Make sure containers have drainage holes to prevent sogginess.
During normal weather, aim to water outdoor pots every 2-3 days. In very hot temperatures, daily watering may be needed. For indoor pots, watering every 2-4 days is typical, less in cool rooms. Always pour off excess water in saucers after watering.
Watering Frequency for Indoor Parsley
Parsley can be grown as a houseplant if given sufficient light. The watering frequency is similar to pots – check soil daily and water when the top inch is dry. Mist the leaves occasionally to boost humidity around the plant.
Since indoor parsley isn’t exposed to rain, you’ll need to provide all its moisture needs manually. But avoid overwatering which can quickly happen in indoor pots. Allow excess water to drain fully after each watering.
Watering Parsley at Planting Time
When first planting parsley, whether seeds or transplants, be sure to water thoroughly after planting. Seeds should be kept continuously moist for around 3 weeks until they germinate. For transplants, water when the top half inch of soil is dry.
Signs Your Parsley Needs Water
Keep an eye out for signals that your parsley needs a drink:
- Drooping or wilting leaves
- Soil dry 1-2 inches down
- Dull, greyish, browned leaf edges
- Stunted new growth
Parsley will show water stress sooner than many other herbs. At the first sign, give your plants a good soaking whether they are in the ground or pots.
Underwatering Parsley Plants
Insufficient water severely impacts parsley growth. It causes foliage to wilt and turn brown. Lack of moisture also prevents parsley from taking up nutrients properly. Deficiency symptoms like yellowing leaves can show up.
Severe underwatering can kill young seedlings quickly. It can also prevent parsley from returning the following season if the first year plants are overly stressed.
Overwatering Parsley
While consistent soil moisture is vital for parsley, overwatering can also damage or kill plants. Saturated soil suffocates roots and leads to fungal issues. Signs of overwatering include:
- Wilting or mushy leaves
- Yellowed lower leaves
- Stunted growth
- Soft, rotting stems
- Root rot
Allow the soil to dry between waterings and improve drainage if needed. Only water when the top inch or two of soil is dry for best results.
Tips for Watering Parsley Effectively
Here are some tips for watering your parsley properly:
- Check soil moisture before watering, don’t rely on a schedule
- Water when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Water deeply until moisture penetrates 6-8 inches down
- Allow soil to dry out before next watering
- Adjust frequency based on weather, plant size, soil type
- Water at soil level to avoid wet foliage
- Water in early morning so leaves dry quickly
- Add mulch to conserve moisture
- Reduce watering in cool weather
When to Water Parsley
- After initial planting and until seeds germinate
- When top inch of soil feels dry
- During dry spells and heat waves
- If plants show signs of drought stress
- Less frequently during cool or rainy periods
Parsley thrives when given consistent moisture in well-drained soil. But both too much and too little water will affect health and growth. Check soil dryness near the roots to determine when to water, rather than on a fixed schedule. Aim for a thorough soaking 1-2 times per week on average, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Proper watering technique keeps parsley productive while avoiding problems. Adjust your irrigation practices based on climate, the plant’s age, and growing conditions. With the right balance of moisture maintained, you can grow bountiful parsley harvests.
You want to know who’s behind Plantura?
I studied horticultural sciences at university and in my free time you can find me in my own patch of land, growing anything with roots. I am particularly passionate about self-sufficiency and seasonal food. Favourite fruit: quince, cornelian cherry and blueberries Favourite vegetables: peas, tomatoes and garlic
Parsley can grow in almost any garden, but when caring for this herb there are a few things you need to consider. Here is our guide to cutting, watering and fertilising parsley.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), which originates from the Mediterranean, is a herb that has been used in cooking and medicine since as far back as the Middle Ages. Below you will find all there is to know about parsley plant care.
Yellowing parsley: why and how to remedy it
Parsley often displays leaf discolouration; it tends to yellow or turn red. If the parsley turns yellow, this is usually due to a molybdenum deficiency or, more likely, a magnesium deficiency. However, if the leaves turn yellow, but the leaf veins remain green, this may be an indicator that the soil is too acidic. A magnesium deficiency will become apparent early in the year if the location is not suitable. Apply lime regularly to provide a long-term remedy, while also improving the soil structure. More rarely and rather late in the summer, old leaves can turn completely pale yellow due to a lack of nitrogen. The yellow leaves of parsley are of course still edible. If, on the other hand, the parsley turns red, this is a sign of stress, such as waterlogging, nematodes or carrot fly infestation.
How Much Water Does a Parsley Plant Need?
FAQ
Do you water parsley everyday?
Parsley will need watering about 2-3 times per week. If parsley runs out of water, it will let you know by wilting. However, as soon as you re-water, in no time it will be standing back upright again.
Can you over water parsley?
However, the herb does not tolerate drought or over-watering: so make sure the soil in pots or in garden beds never dries out, but equally, avoid waterlogging. Also, water your young parsley plants regularly just after germination and in midsummer as they can get dehydrated quickly.
Does parsley need full sun?
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Ideal Conditions:Parsley prefers locations that get plenty of sunlight, with 6-8 hours of direct light being ideal.
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Warm Climates:In hot climates, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent the plants from being scorched by the intense afternoon sun.
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Partial Shade:While full sun is preferred, parsley can still grow well in areas with partial shade, though they may not be as vibrant in color.
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Indoor Parsley:If growing parsley indoors, place it near a sunny window or use a grow light to ensure it receives sufficient light.
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Soil:Parsley needs well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
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Watering:Parsley needs consistent moisture, so check the soil regularly and water when the top inch becomes dry.
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Fertilizing:Regularly feeding parsley with a water-soluble plant food can promote prolific leaf production.
What does overwatered parsley look like?
Parsley that turns yellow due to poor drainage
Indeed, too much water can also drown the roots and make the parsley yellow. Tip: Prevent your parsley leaves from turning yellow by installing good drainage from the time of sowing .
How often should you water a parsley plant?
Overwatering also leads to mold and mildew, which you should see on the parsley leaves themselves. Instead, water the roots of the plant, deep into the soil. Try not to water the leaves to reduce the risk of mold and mildew. It makes the most sense to water your parsley plants deeply, but not very frequently.
How much Parsley should one use daily?
Ten sprigs of parsley are enough to reach the recommended daily intake of vitamin K. Consuming very large amounts of parsley is unsafe, as this can cause other side effects like anemia and liver or kidney problems.
Do parsley plants need to be watered?
If you’re not sure whether it needs to be watered, you can check if the surface level soil is moist, or if the parsley plant is wilting. Parsley plants that are planted inside may not need as much water, as direct sunlight is normally not available. Be extra careful that you aren’t overwatering the parsley plant inside.
Does parsley need to be waterlogged?
Parsley’s soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. From experience, I know parsley does well in soil that is well-draining yet retains some moisture. The type of soil could affect how water behaves—sandy soil drains quickly, while clay holds moisture longer.
How do you care for a parsley plant?
Make sure you have your parsley planted in well-drained soil. Parsley just needs direct sunlight (full sun or partial shade), and water every couple of days to grow well. Water your parsley plants deeply and regularly during the growing season, but allow the top of the soil to dry out between watering.
Are You overwatering your parsley plants?
If you notice that your parsley plants are drooping, but the soil is still wet, then chances are you are overwatering your plant. If you have outdoor plants, it’s a good idea to consider how much water they are getting naturally through rainfall.