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Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Herb

Parsley is a slow-to-germinate biennial herb that flowers in its second year, producing nectar-rich umbels that attract parasitic wasps, hoverflies, and other beneficial predatory insects. It is a valuable companion for tomatoes and asparagus.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Water Needs

Moderate

Soil

Rich, moist, well-draining loam; pH 6.0–7.0

Spacing

8–12 inches

Days to Maturity

70–90 days from sowing to first harvest

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 3–10

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

No known antagonists

When to Plant

  • Start Indoors

    10–12 weeks before last frost

  • Direct Sow

    4–6 weeks before last frost; soak seeds overnight to speed germination

  • Harvest

    Harvest outer stems from the base; plants continue producing all season

Organic Growing Tips

  • Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to soften the hard seed coat and speed germination.

  • Leave second-year plants to flower — they become powerful beneficial insect attractors.

  • Interplant beneath tomatoes where partial shade suits parsley and proximity benefits both plants.

  • Black swallowtail caterpillars eat parsley; leave a few plants for them as a contribution to butterfly populations.

Common Pests

  • Aphids
  • Parsley Worm (Black Swallowtail larva)
  • Carrot Fly

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.