Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

How much light does a Parsley need?

Parsley grows best in full sun, which NC State Extension defines as six or more hours of direct sunlight a day. It also accepts part shade, and Clemson Cooperative Extension suggests light shade for growing it. Grown indoors, parsley does best with high light and a cool growing location. The indoor light record is listed as direct sun.

• Light: Full sun and part shade (full sun preferred)^1,2,3

How often to water a Parsley

Parsley's water needs run from medium to wet. NC State Extension describes the ideal as consistently moist, well-drained rich soil. The University of Minnesota Extension also advises well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Clemson Cooperative Extension pairs rich, moist soil with light shade.

• Water: Medium to wet¹

Best soil for a Parsley

Parsley soil should be well drained and moist. NC State Extension describes consistently moist, well-drained rich soil. The University of Minnesota Extension says parsley grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends rich, moist soil in light shade. Both drainage and moisture matter, and the record lists the two together. No cited source records a soil pH range for parsley, so that value is not documented here.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist^1,4
• Soil pH: pH 6–7⁴

When and how to harvest Parsley

Cut the outer stalks close to the ground once the leaves are large enough to use. You can keep harvesting until the plant bolts to seed in its second year. The University of Minnesota Extension describes the end point as the plant sending up a seed stalk and dying. No cited source gives a days-to-maturity figure, so that value is not documented here.

• Harvest: Cut outer stalks close to the ground once leaves are large enough to use, continuing until the plant bolts to seed in its second year³

How to propagate a Parsley

Parsley is propagated by seed. The University of Minnesota Extension calls direct seeding the easiest way to start parsley. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension suggests starting seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost. Seed is the only method recorded for this page.

• Propagation: Seed^3,5

Common problems

Common pests include carrot weevil, flea beetles, leafhoppers and tarnished plant bugs. Aphids are listed too, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension calls them the most common. The black swallowtail caterpillar is also on the list. Septoria leaf spot and stem rot are the diseases NC State Extension names. Bacterial blight is also recorded.

• Common pests: carrot weevil, flea beetles, leafhoppers, tarnished plant bugs, aphids and black swallowtail caterpillar^1,5
• Common diseases: septoria leaf spot, stem rot and bacterial blight¹

Questions and answers

Is parsley toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists parsley as toxic to cats and as toxic to dogs. The records give no severity, plant parts or signs, so this page does not state any.

How much sun does parsley need?

Parsley grows best in full sun, meaning six or more hours of direct sunlight a day, and it also accepts part shade. Indoors, it does best with high light and a cool growing location.

Is parsley an annual or a biennial?

NC State Extension calls parsley a hardy biennial that is usually grown as an annual. Its greenish-yellow flowers grow in compound umbels in the second year.