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Herb · Easy to grow

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

A biennial herb that gives leaves for months, sown or planted in autumn or spring in Adelaide. Seed is slow to germinate (up to 3 weeks), so many gardeners buy seedlings. Pick outer stems regularly and keep the plant watered to delay flowering.

When to plant where you live

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Planting times for other areas

Varieties (3)

  • Hamburg (root parsley)Grown for its parsnip-like root and leaves
  • Italian flat-leafStronger flavour; vigorous and copes better with heat
  • Triple CurledClassic curly garnish parsley; compact and ornamental

Neighbours

Grows well with

From seed to plate

  1. Plant

    20 cm apart, seed 6 mm deep. Full sun or part shade.

  2. Water

    Regular.

  3. Feed

    Liquid feed monthly.

  4. Pick, from about 10 weeks

    Pick outer stems.

Good to know

  • Harvest outer stems at the base; leave the centre to keep growing
  • Let one plant flower; it attracts beneficial insects and may self-sow

Common problems

  • Slow germinationsoak seed overnight and keep the soil moist
  • Bolting in its second springsow fresh plants each year
  • Septoria leaf spotremove spotted leaves, water at the base
  • Swallowtail and other caterpillarshand pick, or grow extra to share

If you use a garden chemical, follow the label exactly. Try organic options first, and ask the community or Plant Doctor if you're unsure.

Ask the garden helper about parsleyAny question, answered from the plant libraryHow others are growing parsleyQuestions, tips and harvests from the community

Safety: Large amounts can cause photosensitivity in animals.

Where this information comes from

Reviewed by AI cross-check (Claude), not a horticulturist on 27 Oct 2026. Version 2.