Parsley care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Parsley

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 2 days

Dislikes drying out: water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide, in the morning during midsummer so it does not wilt.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 3 days

Cooler weather slows drying, so water once the soil is dry, as a guide.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 5 days

Growth is slow in winter, so water a day or two after the soil dries, as a guide.

Light and placement for Parsley

Generally likes sun but manages in part shade, and as a guide the leaves stay more tender in bright shade during midsummer; give it moving air.

Overwintering Parsley

Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above

Fairly hardy and generally overwinters outdoors under the eaves as a guide; frost damages the leaves, so a pot moved under cover or to a bright indoor window keeps producing through winter.

Fertilizing and repotting Parsley

Fertilizer

In spring and fall, diluted liquid fertilizer about every two weeks as a guide; since leaves are picked continually, keep it fed, but ease off in midsummer.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Common problems with Parsley

• In its second spring it flowers, the leaves toughen, and the plant is finished.
• The thick taproot is damaged at transplanting and the plant declines.
• The young center leaves are picked too, and growth stalls.
• Swallowtail caterpillars strip the leaves.

Tips for growing Parsley

• Pick the outer leaves and leave about ten at the center for a long harvest.
• Sow or plant in spring and fall so there is a young plant coming along.
• Pinch out flower stalks as they appear to keep harvesting leaves a while longer.

More herb care guides

• PeppermintMentha × piperita
• RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
• ShisoPerilla frutescens
• SpearmintMentha spicata
• SteviaStevia rebaudiana
• Sweet basilOcimum basilicum