What Do Parsley Seeds Look Like? A Complete Guide

Parsley is an herb that is popularly used for cooking and garnishing dishes It adds vibrant green color and fresh flavor to meals But have you ever wondered what the seeds of this versatile herb look like?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a close look at parsley seeds, including what they look like, how they can be used, and tips for growing parsley from seeds.

An Overview of Parsley Seeds

There are a few key things to know about parsley seeds

• Parsley seeds are very small, typically 1-2mm in length. This makes them easy to overlook.

• Their shape is oval and slightly arched. The seeds have a little curve to them.

• Parsley seeds are usually light green or tan/brown in color. The green seeds are fresher while tan ones have dried.

• They are smooth with fine lines running vertically down the seed.

• When fresh, parsley seeds have a mild, earthy, and peppery aroma. As they dry, they lose some aroma.

• The seeds are used dried for cooking, pickling, brining, and as a seasoning.

• Parsley is a biennial herb but grown as an annual. The seeds appear in the second year.

What Do Parsley Seeds Look Like Up Close?

To get a really close look at what parsley seeds look like, let’s zoom in:

• The oval shape and subtle arch is extra visible up close. You can see the curve in the body of the seed.

• The fine, vertical lines become more defined and help give texture and visual interest.

• Up close, you can better spot the difference between the tan dried seeds and fresher green ones. The green will eventually fade though as seeds dry fully.

• When zoomed in, you get a better sense of just how small parsley seeds are. Their tiny size makes them easy to harvest in quantity.

Do Curly Leaf and Italian Parsley Seeds Look Different?

There are two main types of parsley grown—curly leaf and Italian flat leaf. But what do parsley seeds from each variety look like?

• The seeds are essentially identical regardless of leaf type. Both curly and flat leaf parsley produce tiny, arched tan seeds.

• There is no noticeable difference in the seed shape, markings, or color between curly vs flat leaf varieties.

• The only major difference will be the leaf structure. But the seeds and plant growth habits are otherwise very similar.

So parsley seeds look the same no matter what leaf variety the plant will eventually produce. The key difference is in the foliage, not the seeds.

What Can You Use Parsley Seeds For?

Here are some of the most popular uses for parsley seeds:

• Seasoning – The seeds are used to add flavor to dishes including meat rubs, marinades, broths, and pickled foods.

• Garnishing – The seeds can be used as a pretty garnish over dishes, adding texture and freshness.

• Regrowing – Allow parsley to go to seed and then harvest them to grow new parsley plants.

• Saving – Dry and store parsley seeds properly in an airtight container to save for planting.

• Herbal remedies – Some use parsley seeds to make herbal teas and tinctures for medicinal purposes.

• Crafting – The seeds can be used to make crafts when strung together or mixed with other dried botanicals.

• Propagating – Sow seeds directly outdoors or start them indoors for transplanting into the garden.

So parsley seeds are useful well beyond just planting. Their versatility makes them a handy ingredient to have on hand.

How To Harvest Parsley Seeds

If you want to harvest your own parsley seeds, here is a quick guide:

• Allow parsley to complete its full two-year lifecycle and flower/bolt in year two.

• Once the flowers fade, green seed pods will start to form. Monitor them closely.

• Harvest pods once most turn tan/brown. If pods pop open, the seeds will fall out.

• Lay pods in a single layer and allow to dry fully indoors for 1-2 weeks.

• To separate, rub the pods between your hands over a container or sieve. Discard pods.

• Winnow seeds by pouring from one bowl to another in front of a fan to blow away chaff.

• Let seeds dry for 1 more week before storing in an airtight container.

It takes patience, but harvesting your own seeds can be rewarding! Timing it right takes practice.

Tips For Growing Parsley From Seeds

Here are some top tips to improve your success when growing parsley from seeds:

• Soak seeds overnight before planting to increase germination speed and rates.

• Sow seeds only 1⁄4 inch deep as they need light to germinate well.

• Keep soil moist, not wet. Frequent misting may be needed as parsley hates drying out.

• Be patient! It can take 14-28 days for parsley seeds to germinate. This is normal.

• Give seedlings plenty of light immediately once they sprout to prevent leggy growth.

• Transplant outdoors once seedlings are about 6 inches tall.

• Space plants 6-8 inches apart in fertile, compost-amended soil.

• Harvest leaves regularly by cutting outer stems to encourage bushy growth.

Follow these tips and you’ll be harvesting homegrown parsley in no time!

Common Parsley Growing Problems and Solutions

Parsley can be persnickety. Here are some common issues and fixes:

Seeds Not Sprouting? Check that the soil is moist and temperatures are between 50-85F. Old seeds may be unviable.

Leggy Seedlings? Increase light exposure immediately by adding grow lights to stimulate growth.

Yellowing Leaves? Overwatering can cause roots to rot. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.

Curled Dry Leaves? Underwatering is likely the issue. Check moisture daily and water when top inch is dry.

No New Growth? Shear back old outer stems to stimulate new leaves. Fertilize every 3-4 weeks as parsley is a heavy feeder.

Flowering in First Year? Early bolting is caused by stressors like incorrect soil pH, watering issues, or temperature extremes.

Don’t give up! With a little troubleshooting, you can get your parsley growing healthy and strong in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parsley Seeds

Here are answers to some common questions about parsley seeds:

What is the average germination time? 14-28 days on average. Soaking seeds may reduce this by a few days. Have patience!

How should I store parsley seeds? In an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Stored properly, seeds stay viable for up to 3 years.

Can you eat parsley seeds? Yes, the seeds have a mild, earthy flavor. Use them as a seasoning or garnish.

Do I need to start parsley indoors? You can, but parsley can also be direct sown outside 1-2 months before the last frost.

How long do parsley seeds last? Stored properly in an airtight container, parsley seeds last 2-3 years before viability begins dropping.

Are parsley seeds safe to eat? Yes, parsley seeds are safe for culinary use. They should not be consumed in very high amounts medicinally.

In Summary

To recap, parsley seeds are tiny tan/green oval seeds no more than 2mm long. They have a subtle earthiness used to enhance dishes and can be regrown into new parsley plants. With patience and proper care, home gardeners can go from seeds to full parsley plants for harvesting. Now that you know what to look for, give growing parsley from seeds a try!