Grow fresh, aromatic leaves for kitchen and garden
This curated selection of Parsley Seeds spans classic flat-leaf and decorative curly types, ideal for kitchen and herb gardens. As a staple culinary herb, Petroselinum crispum delivers aromatic, leafy growth for garnishing, cooking, and fresh salads, with cut-and-come-again convenience from seed. Options range from robust flat-leaf parsley seeds, often called Italian parsley seeds, to tightly ruffled curly leaf forms and moss-curled strains, suited to borders or container gardening where neat habit matters. Compact plants fit pots as readily as raised beds, offering reliable harvests from spring into cooler months. Beyond the kitchen, Garden parsley seeds contribute a refined texture in mixed plantings and remain attractive even when regularly picked.
Raised from Parsley Seeds, plants prefer full sun to partial shade and steady moisture, rewarding careful sowing despite naturally slow germination; some growers soak seeds before sowing to hasten sprouting. Sowing can begin indoors in late winter, with outdoor sowing following after the last frost once soil has warmed. Regular picking supports a steady, leafy habit and helps delay bolting in heat. Succession sowing maintains supply for the kitchen garden, whether in generous beds or compact containers. Plain-leaf and moss-curled choices reach modest heights, suiting patios and windowside pots without overwhelming neighboring herbs.
As a biennial umbellifer herb, parsley ultimately sends up airy umbels in its second season, creating a gentle flowering display that benefits biodiversity. The nectar-rich blooms support pollinating insects and other beneficial insects, and the foliage is a known swallowtail host plant in many gardens. Parsley Seeds also serve ornamental aims in borders while remaining fully edible, bridging aesthetics and utility. In mild climates, autumn sowing may allow overwintering parsley for an earlier spring lift. Blends of flat leaf parsley and curly selections suit companion planting, and this species is equally at home in balcony pots or larger plots. With Parsley Seeds in containers or borders, regular harvesting supports a long season of leafy growth.
Petroselinum crispum (garden parsley)
Use this range navigator to jump from parsley to closely related herb seed categories. Start at the broader herbs collection, or browse popular companions like basil, coriander/cilantro, mint, oregano, thyme, sage, and rosemary. Helpful when planning succession sowings, pairing flavors, or selecting varieties for containers or borders across seasons in both warm and cool conditions.
Petroselinum crispum (garden parsley)
Start parsley seeds indoors in late winter to early spring, or sow outside after the last frost once soil has warmed; in mild climates, late summer to autumn sowing can support overwintering. Grow this biennial umbellifer in full sun to partial shade, in fertile, moisture‑retentive yet well‑drained soil. Keep the root zone evenly moist to limit bolting and sustain leafy growth. Space plants 20–30 cm apart, reaching about 25–45 cm tall. For kitchen gardens and containers, succession sow for a cut‑and‑come‑again harvest from flat leaf or curly leaf parsley. As a companion planting mainstay, its flowers draw beneficial insects while the foliage can host swallowtail larvae.
- Germination is slow; soak seeds 12–24 hours and consider brief seed stratification to improve uniformity.
- Thin promptly to 20–30 cm and succession sow every 3–4 weeks for a steady, leafy herb supply.
- Suitable for container gardening: use a 20–25 cm deep pot with free‑draining, moisture‑retentive mix and water regularly.
- Pollinator friendly when allowed to flower in year two; umbels feed beneficial insects and may host swallowtail larvae.
- Edible foliage and stems; harvest outer stalks for a cut‑and‑come‑again approach, avoiding removal of more than one‑third at a time.
- Ornamental texture in herb gardens; flat‑leaf is graceful, while curly types give neat edging.
When should I sow parsley seeds?
Sow parsley seeds indoors in late winter to early spring, then transplant outside after the last frost once the soil has warmed. Direct sowing works too when frost risk has passed. In mild climates, a late summer to autumn sowing may be possible for overwintering and an earlier spring crop. For a steady supply, consider small succession sowings a few weeks apart. Parsley is a biennial herb: it focuses on leafy growth in the first season and typically sends up flower stems in its second year.
How do I grow parsley from seed successfully?
Use fresh herb seeds and sow thinly, covering lightly (about the depth of the seed). Keep the surface evenly moist until seedlings appear, then thin or transplant to around 20–30 cm (8–12 in) between plants. Grow in fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. Avoid disturbing roots when potting on. Harvest outer stems regularly for a cut-and-come-again supply, and remove yellowing leaves. Mulch to conserve moisture and support steady growth through warm, dry spells.
What is parsley germination time, and are there tips to improve it?
Germination can be slow, often taking 2–4 weeks, and sometimes longer if conditions are cool or dry. For a smoother start, pre-soak seeds for 12–24 hours before sowing, maintain consistently damp (not waterlogged) compost, and provide warmth to encourage sprouting. A brief period of cold stratification (about 1–2 weeks in a refrigerator) may help some batches. Sow shallowly, avoid compacting the mix, and use fresh seed. Once emerged, provide bright light to prevent legginess while keeping moisture steady.
Does parsley need full sun, and what soil suits it best?
Parsley grows well in full sun to partial shade; in hotter periods, light afternoon shade can help reduce stress and discourage early bolting. A fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil is ideal—incorporate garden compost to improve structure and hold moisture without creating soggy conditions. Consistent watering supports lush, leafy growth, while overfeeding with high-nitrogen fertilizers is rarely necessary and can lead to soft growth. Expect plants to reach roughly 25–45 cm (10–18 in) tall when well grown.
Can parsley be grown in containers?
Yes, parsley suits container gardening. Choose a pot at least 20–30 cm deep with drainage holes, and fill with a quality, moisture-retentive but free-draining mix. Position for 4–6+ hours of direct sun, watering to keep the medium evenly moist. Space one robust plant per medium pot, or allow ample room between multiple plants. Feed lightly at intervals if growth slows. Rotate the container for even exposure, and avoid letting the root zone dry out. Mature plants typically reach 25–45 cm in height.
Are parsley plants beneficial for pollinators and other insects?
When allowed to flower in their second year, parsley’s umbel blooms can attract a range of pollinators and beneficial insects. The plant’s structure offers nectar and habitat for natural predators that help support garden balance. In some areas, swallowtail butterflies may use parsley as a host plant. If leaf production is the priority, remove emerging flower stalks to delay bolting; otherwise, leave a few plants to bloom for insect value and potential light self-seeding.
Our seed lots are sourced from audited growers and processors, with full batch traceability and certificates on purity, germination, and disease status. Products are non-GMO and supplied untreated unless clearly stated; any treatments comply with applicable plant health and handling standards. Storage and handling follow industry best practice. Guidance is general and may vary with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, or hemisphere. Product pages carry variety-specific testing, treatments, and sowing information.
Grow fresh, aromatic leaves for kitchen and garden
Parsley seeds yield lush, fragrant foliage that thrives in cool to moderate conditions. Sow 6 mm deep in fine, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, keeping the seedbed evenly moist; germination can be slow, often 14–28 days, and pre-soaking seeds for 12–24 hours may help. Direct sow after the last frost, or start indoors and transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Provide full sun to partial shade—light shade is beneficial during hotter spells to limit stress and delay bolting. Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm for robust plants, and mulch to conserve moisture. Container growing is feasible with a deep pot and consistent watering. Harvest by cutting outer stems once plants are well established, leaving the central crown to continue producing tender new growth. Regular, selective picking supports steady regrowth and clean flavor. This crop sits within the broader group of Herbs Seeds.