Like most garden cooks, I feel inspired when a bunch of freshly picked parsley waits in a jar of water on the kitchen counter. Vibrant green parsley brings color, flavor and nutrition to any meal, and you can combine parsley with basil, dill, mint, or other herbs when making herb pestos. Growing parsley to harvest fresh all summer – plus more to dry for winter use – is not at all difficult. Simply plan to set out new seedlings twice a year, in spring and again in late summer, which means growing parsley as a cold-hardy annual.
Originally from the central Mediterranean region, Petroselinum crispum is generally divided into two types – flat-leafed or Italian parsley defining the neopolitanum subtype, and curly parsley grouped as Petroselinum crispum var crispum. I agree with cooks who prefer Italian parsley for fresh cooking, but curly parsley leaves have a higher dry matter content that makes them better for drying. In between, there is the modest leaf curl of ‘Paramount’ types, which are curvaceous yet easy to clean. If you are planting an edible edging, fine-textured “moss curled” parsley varieties should be on your list.
Parsley is a versatile herb that adds bright, fresh flavor to many dishes. Growing parsley from seed can be challenging due to the long germination time, but with a few simple techniques, you can get your parsley seeds to sprout successfully
Why Grow Parsley from Seed?
Growing parsley from seed allows you to choose from a wide variety of cultivars. You can grow curly leaf, flat leaf, or even hamburg parsley. Parsley seeds are also inexpensive, so you can plant a large crop for a fraction of the cost of buying starter plants. Plus, planting seeds gives you full control over the entire growing process.
Parsley Seed Germination Basics
Parsley is a biennial herb, meaning it takes two years to complete its lifecycle The first year it focuses its energy on growing foliage and the taproot It won’t flower and produce seeds until the second year.
Parsley seeds have a hard outer shell that makes them slower to germinate than other herbs. It typically takes 14-21 days for the first seedlings to emerge, though it can take even longer in some cases. Soil temperature, moisture, and planting depth all play a role in how fast parsley seeds will sprout.
When to Plant Parsley Seeds
You can start parsley seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Alternatively, sow them directly in the garden 4-6 weeks before the frost-free date. Parsley is hardy down to 20°F (-6°C), so the seedlings can withstand cool spring temperatures.
Parsley grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60-70°F (15-21°C). It won’t germinate well if the soil is above 80°F (27°C).
How to Plant Parsley Seeds
Follow these steps for planting parsley seeds:
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Choose a container: Sow seeds in cell packs, containers, or trays with drainage holes. Parsley has a taproot, so use containers that are at least 2-3 inches deep.
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Use seed starting mix: Use a commercial seed starting mix or make your own from peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. The medium should be loose and fine-textured.
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Moisten the mix: Water thoroughly before planting so the mix is evenly moist but not sopping wet.
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Plant the seeds: Sow 2-3 seeds per cell, 1/4 inch deep. Space cells 1-2 inches apart.
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Cover seeds and firm: Cover seeds lightly with mix. Gently firm to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
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Water: Mist seeds to water thoroughly without washing them away. Keep the mix evenly moist.
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Provide warmth: Maintain a soil temperature of 70°F (21°C) for best results. Use a heat mat or grow lights.
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Light: Keep under lights or near a sunny window until sprouted. Seedlings need 14-16 hours of light per day.
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Label: Label with the variety and planting date so you don’t forget what’s planted.
Caring for Parsley Seedlings
Parsley seedlings are slow-growing at first. With proper care, you can help them grow healthier and stronger:
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Keep evenly moist. Parsley doesn’t tolerate drought or waterlogged soil.
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Feed with a balanced fertilizer once true leaves appear.
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Give plenty of light. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
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Allow air circulation once established to prevent fungal diseases.
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Thin to one seedling per cell once the first true leaves appear.
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Harden off before transplanting outdoors.
How Long Does Parsley Take to Germinate?
On average, parsley seeds take 14-21 days to germinate. Soaking seeds for 12-24 hours before planting can reduce the germination time by a few days. Here’s what to expect:
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Days 1-7: Seeds swell as they absorb water. Root emerges first.
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Days 3-10: Hypocotyl hook starts to push through seed coat.
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Days 10-14: First round seed leaves open. These leaves supply the emerging plant with nutrients.
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Days 14-21: Seedling starts working on true leaves next.
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Days 21-28: First true parsley leaves unfurl from the center.
Don’t give up too soon if you don’t see any sprouts in the first week or two. Give seeds the full 4 weeks before assuming they are duds. Monitor moisture and warmth during this time.
Troubleshooting Germination Problems
Sometimes parsley seeds fail to sprout or have spotty germination. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Seeds dried out: Keep the starting mix consistently moist. Cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Planted too deep: Sow just 1/4 inch deep. Seeds need light to germinate.
Soil too cold: Raise the temperature to at least 65°F (18°C).
Soil too hot: Ideal range is 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Old seeds: Grow fresh seeds no more than 1-2 years old. Discard shriveled or lightweight seeds.
Damping off disease: Clean containers and tools to prevent fungal infection. Improve air circulation once sprouted.
Caring for Parsley Plants
Once sprouted, parsley requires attentive care both indoors and out:
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Transplant seedlings once they have 4-6 true leaves or reach 3-4 inches tall. Space 6-12 inches apart.
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Grow in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Amend with compost as needed.
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Mulch to retain soil moisture and block weeds.
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Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Avoid water stress.
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Cut outer stems often to encourage bushy growth. Don’t harvest more than one-third at once.
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Use row covers to protect from cold weather. Parsley can overwinter in some climates.
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After the first year, parsley will bolt and flower. Consume or collect seeds once flower heads dry. Then discard plants.
Tips for Growing Parsley
Follow these best practices to get the most out of your parsley patch:
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Select slow-bolting varieties if you want leaves for an extended harvest.
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Grow different types like curly, Italian flat-leaf, or hamburg for variety.
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Start a new crop every 2-3 weeks for a continual supply.
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Cut often to prevent flowering in the first year.
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Freeze or dry excess to preserve for later use.
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Allow some plants to bolt so you can collect fresh seeds.
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Grow in a pot near your kitchen door for easy harvesting.
How to Save Parsley Seeds
Let a few parsley plants flower and set seed in year two so you can collect seeds for future planting:
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Stop harvesting leaves once flower buds form.
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Stake plants if needed to prevent flopping once flower heads develop.
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When the flower heads turn brown, clip the entire stem and place in a paper bag.
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Crush the dry heads and separate out the small seeds. Discard debris.
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Spread seeds on a screen or newspaper to dry for 1-2 weeks.
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Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Label with the variety and date.
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Sow seeds the following year. Parsley seeds remain viable for 1-3 years.
Growing a lush crop of parsley from seed takes patience, but the results are well worth the wait. Follow these parsley germination guidelines, and you’ll be harvesting fresh parsley leaves before you know it!
Harvesting and Drying Parsley
Like other members of the carrot family, parsley plants make new growth from the centers, or crowns, and naturally shed their outermost leaves as they age. The best quality leaves for eating fall in between – they are fully green and robust, in perfect condition. These should be pinched off branch by branch, leaving plenty of older stems behind to nurture the plant, while the crown continues to make new growth.
When parsley plants are producing more perfect leaves than you can use, start drying them in small batches. A dehydrator is ideal because parsley must dry quickly, protected from light, if it is to retain its green color. You also can dry parsley in a warm oven if you watch it closely and keep the temperature low, below 130°F/54°C.
Growing Parsley Successfully from Seed
Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate, but one technique does seem to help speed up sprouting. Place the dry seeds in a small dish, and cover them with very warm (110°F/43°C) water, and let sit overnight. Pour off any seeds that float, and strain the others onto a paper towel. Plant immediately, and keep moist until the seeds sprout.
Parsley seeds are capable of germinating at chilly temperatures, but the process proceeds best at normal room temperature, just above 70°F/21°C. Spring or summer, I start my parsley seeds indoors under lights, and expect only about half of the primed seeds to germinate. Low germination rates are normal for parsley.
Particularly in spring, you can save much time and trouble by buying parsley seedlings from a local greenhouse grower, but do look for young, smallish plants. Seedlings that are exposed to substantial cold when they are young are much more likely to bolt and bloom compared to plants that have enjoyed consistently mild conditions – another reason to grow your own.
How to Grow Parsley Plants from Seed and How to Speed up Germination.
FAQ
Is it necessary to soak parsley seeds before planting?
Before planting, we recommend soaking parsley seeds for 24 hours to encourage germination. Learn more about here. Sow directly onto moist soil via broadcasting and do not cover the seed.
Can you germinate parsley seeds in paper towel?
That’s a lot of parsley! Plenty for us to eat and for the parsley worms, which grow into swallowtail butterflies. In the end, both paper towel methods worked better than just planting the seed in mix (even soaking it overnight before planting).
Do parsley seeds need dark to germinate?
Provide light: Parsley seeds need light to germinate, so leave them uncovered. In the summer, a sunny windowsill with southern exposure is usually enough. In the winter, you may need supplemental light, such as a full-spectrum LED grow light. Water: Water the seeds 2–3 times a week.
How long does it take for parsley to germinate?
Related Post: One thing to keep in mind when you’re growing parsley from seed is that they can take a long time to germinate. Normally it’s anywhere from 14-28 days, so be patient. It’s also normal for germination to be sporadic.
How to grow parsley from seed?
Knowing how to grow parsley from seed will ensure you have a continual harvest of fresh parsley ready for all your favorite recipes. Parsley seeds are notorious for being slow to germinate. Seeds can take 10 to 28 days to sprout. But soaking seeds and starting them indoors to give them extra attention can help improve germination rates.
Do parsley seeds germinate sporadic?
It’s also very common for germination to be sporadic. How do you germinate parsley seeds faster? Soaking the seeds before planting, and also placing the trays on a heat mat will both help make parsley seeds germinate quicker. Growing parsley from seed can be a bit of a challenge, so remember to have patience, and give them plenty of time.
What is the best soil for germinating parsley seeds?
Germinating parsley seeds requires the right soil in order to ensure successful growth. The right soil must provide adequate drainage and nutrients to help the seedlings thrive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to choosing the best soil for germinating parsley seeds. Choose a soil that is light and airy.
When should I plant parsley seeds?
For a head start, plant seeds in individual pots indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow seeds outdoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost, as parsley is a slow starter. For the best germination, soil should be around 70ºF (21°C), though parsley seeds will germinate in temperatures as low as 50ºF (10ºC).
Do parsley seedlings grow fast?
As I already mentioned, parsley seedlings don’t grow very fast. But they will start reaching for the window if they don’t get enough light. In order to prevent that from happening, it’s best to use a plant light when growing parsley from seed indoors.