Parsley Italian Seeds
When should I plant
Parsley seeds can be sown directly into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked and the threat of frost has passed in the spring. Alternatively, they also can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Once you place the seeds, mist them with water.
Site consideration
Pick a spot that gets full sun (6+ hours of sunlight) and has well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. This herb needs more fertile soil than most herbs. Soil pH should ideally be around 6.0—slightly acidic. Try to also choose an area that is weed-free; it’ll be easier to see the parsley sprouting.
Water
To grow well, parsley needs moist but not waterlogged soil or compost, so you may need to water young plants to help them establish, and during hot, dry spells in summer. Plants in containers need particular attention, as the compost can dry out very quickly in warm weather, so check the compost regularly and aim to keep it evenly moist. Move containers into a shaded spot during hot, sunny spells to reduce the need for watering.
Sunlight
Italian parsley needs 6-8+ hours of full sun daily for best growth, but in very hot climates (like Florida or the Philippines), it benefits from afternoon shade to prevent scorching, providing a mix of sun and partial shade. Ensure well-draining soil and consistent moisture, especially for slow-germinating seeds, which can take weeks to sprout.
Seed Germination
To germinate Italian parsley seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours, then sow shallowly (1/8 inch) in moist, fertile soil. Keep seeds consistently damp and warm (60-70°F), as germination can take 2-4 weeks or more. Using humidity domes or covering with plastic wrap can help germination. Thin seedlings for best growth.
Transplant
Transplant seedlings outside after the danger of frost passes, ideally when they have a few true leaves and a good root system, being careful not to disturb the taproot, spacing them 10-12 inches apart in well-draining soil with full sun.
Other Elements
Fertilization
Prior to planting the parsley, amend the soil with organic matter like manure or compost. How you fertilize parsley depends on whether you are growing it in the ground or in a pot. If growing parsley in the ground, parsley does best with a single application of fertilizer halfway through the growing season with a 5-10-5 fertilizer. Growing parsley in pots calls for more fertilizer, so apply fertilizer every six weeks for pots indoors and every four weeks if grown in pots outdoors.
Weed control
For Italian parsley weed control, focus on organic methods like hand-weeding and mulching to suppress weeds and retain moisture, crucial for parsley. Pull weeds regularly, especially when seedlings are young, as they compete for nutrients and water. Apply compost or organic mulch to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth. For commercial-scale or severe infestations, specific pre- or post-emergence herbicides (like Linuron, Prometryn) can be used. Parsley likes consistent moisture and good fertility; keeping it healthy helps it outcompete weeds naturally.
Harvest
Once parsley leaves begin to curl or when the leaves have three separate segments, they are ready to harvest. Parsley can be harvested all year long, especially if grown inside. Pick parsley leaves early in the morning as that is when the herb’s scent is the strongest. To harvest parsley, cut the leaves from the outer part of the plant first. To store fresh parsley, snip entire stems and keep the stems immersed in water in the refrigerator.
Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.
For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.
Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
1. Improper drainage soil
2. Sowing depth more than one inch
3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
6. Lack of sunlight
7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.