PARSLEY - Open Pollinated Parsley Seeds

For a head start, plant seeds in individual pots indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow seeds outdoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost, as parsley is a slow starter. For the best germination, soil should be around 70ºF (21°C), though parsley seeds will germinate in temperatures as low as 50ºF (10ºC). 

Consider soaking the seeds overnight before sowing to improve your chance of success. Sow parsley seeds 1/4 inch deep. Sow seeds about 6 to 8 inches apart. For larger plants, sow about 8 to 10 inches apart. Be sure to keep soil moist while seeds germinate. It can take 2 to 4 weeks for seedlings to appear. Indoors, you can use a grow light to help seedlings grow. Make sure it always remains at least two inches above the leaves. 

TRANSPLANT: Parsley seeds can be started indoors or sown directly in the garden. However, the taproot of parsley plants is delicate, so take extra care if transplanting. Space plants 10 inches apart in full sun to partial shade. 

WATER: Be sure to keep parsley plants sufficiently watered, especially through the heat of summer. Lightly mulch around the plants to conserve moisture. 

FEED: This herb needs more fertile soil than most herbs. Soil pH should ideally be around 6.0 - slightly acidic. Fertilize plants in garden beds once or twice during the growing season, using a 5-10-5 commercial fertilizer at a rate of three ounces per 10 feet of row. Use a liquid fertilizer at one-half the label recommended strength every three to four weeks for container-grown plants outside and every four to six weeks for parsley grown indoors. 

When the leaf stems have at least three segments, parsley is ready to be harvested. Cut leaves from the outer stems of the plant whenever you need them. Leave the inner portions of the plant to mature. Ideally, allow 2 to 3 weeks for regrowth between major harvests. If you want fresh parsley throughout the winter, replant a parsley plant in a pot and keep it in a sunny window.