Parsley
A kitchen staple, parsley is a versatile herb, beloved for its fresh, vibrant flavour. Available in curly-leaf and flat-leaf varieties, it's easy to grow and adds a touch of gourmet to any dish.
Parsley seeds
£1.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April – July, direct outdoors, or indoors March – May for transplanting
Plant out
May – August, when seedlings have 2-3 true leaves (10-15cm tall)
Harvest
June – October (first year), then April – July (second year)
Conditions
Sun
Partial shade is best, but tolerates full sun if kept moist
Water
Keep consistently moist, especially during dry spells; avoid waterlogging
Soil
Rich, well-drained, fertile soil, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
15-20cm (6-8 inches) between plants
Containers
Excellent in pots (15-20cm diameter) or window boxes
Indoors
Can be grown on a sunny windowsill year-round for fresh leaves
Care and harvest
Feeding
Minimal feeding needed; a balanced liquid feed every 4-6 weeks if in pots
Pruning
Snip outer leaves at the base as needed to encourage new growth
Harvesting
Pick outer stems close to the base, leaving central growth to mature
Storage
Keep stems in a glass of water in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze chopped
Good companions: Tomatoes, Asparagus, Carrots