Growing Italian Parsley
Preparation
Parsley thrives in full sun or part shade, requiring at least 3 hours of sunlight daily. For the best results:
- Plant in well-drained soil enriched with aged compost or manure.
- Weed thoroughly and loosen the soil before planting.
- For container growing, use a pot with at least a 40-litre capacity filled with high-quality potting mix.
How to Sow Parsley Seeds
Option 1: Direct Sowing in the Garden
- Sow seeds 3mm deep and 30cm apart, with rows spaced 30cm apart.
- Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering.
- Seeds germinate in 14-21 days at a soil temperature of 10-30°C.
- Protect young seedlings from pests and harsh weather.
Option 2: Raising Seedlings Indoors
- Fill trays or pots with seed-raising mix or starter pellets.
- Sow seeds 3mm deep and keep soil evenly moist.
- Transplant seedlings to the garden when they are 5-10cm tall and have their first true leaves.
Hudstone Pro Tip: For a natural look, scatter seeds evenly, roughen the soil, and lightly cover with soil.
Caring for Parsley Plants
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy. Water deeply when the soil feels dry 5cm below the surface. Avoid watering leaves to prevent fungal issues.
- Fertilising: If soil was well-prepared, additional fertiliser is usually unnecessary. For a boost:
- Thinning: Once seedlings are large enough, thin to 30cm spacing for optimal growth.
Tip: Remove flower stalks as soon as they appear to extend the plant’s life and keep it producing delicious leaves.
Harvesting Italian Parsley
- Time to Harvest: Ready in 100-130 days.
- Leaves: Pinch off outer leaves as needed, leaving the central growth intact to ensure continuous harvest.
- Storage:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bolting: Caused by extreme weather, leading to premature flowering. Sow seeds during mild weather and water regularly during hot spells.
- Carrot Fly: Flying insects that attack roots. Use companion planting or netting to deter them.
- Whitefly: Sap-sucking insects that yellow leaves. Spray with water or soap spray, or encourage predatory insects.
Why Hudstone Seeds?
- High Quality: Reliable germination and exceptional flavour.
- Eco-Friendly: Ideal for gardens or growing in our reusable cotton calico bags.
- Versatile: A culinary staple that’s easy to grow and perfect for every kitchen.
Ready to grow your own parsley?
Order your Italian Parsley Seeds today and enjoy fresh, aromatic flavour straight from your garden!