Parsley

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herb with bright green leaves that are used as a garnish or to flavor a variety of dishes. It is a member of the carrot family and is sometimes referred to as “curly leaf parsley” or “common parsley.” The leaves have a mild, peppery taste that adds a nice complement to salad greens.

Parsley will grow up to 14 inches in its first season, forming bushy clumps at the top making it a good choice for use as a border or mixed in with other herbs in the garden. In areas with a mild winter, parsley will continue to grow and in its second year will send up a flower spike. This is the time to remove the plant from the garden as the leaves become bitter.

How to Plant
New transplants should be planted between 4 to 6 inches apart. Parsley should not be allowed to dry out between watering, so a deep watering is recommended at least once a week to keep the root system moist. Parsley does best in a sunny area receiving six or more hours of direct sunlight a day. Soil should be fertile and loose, with a pH of between 5.6 to 7.0.

Parsley is a favorite target of the parsleyworm, a colorful caterpillar that eventually becomes the black swallowtail butterfly. This caterpillar will eat much of the parsley plant but won’t kill it in most cases. Some gardeners prefer to sacrifice the parsley plant to the parsleyworm in order to see the magnificent butterfly it becomes.

Whitefly infestations are most common and can be treated by spraying the undersides of the leaves with an insecticidal soap.

Fertilizing
Mix in an all purpose fertilizer, such as a 3-1-1 before planting for best results. In order to keep the roots moist during dry spells use a mulch around the base of the plant.

Harvesting
Snip leafy stems near the base to promote new growth and to make the plant bushier. Flavor is at its peak at this point. Parsley can be dried or frozen for use in colder months, though the flavor will be reduced.

Recommendations for Use

• Use parsley in dishes with meats, potatoes, soups and salads
• Fresh parsley can be chopped and added to salads and vegetables prior to serving for maximum flavor

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