Important notes
flowering / 2nd year: In its 2nd year parsley bolts and flowers — leaves turn bitter and apiole rises; avoid large amounts in pregnancy. ↗
sap on skin + sun: Contains furanocoumarins; sap on skin may irritate in sunlight.
Light
Bright to part shade, 12–14 h of light. Tolerates less sun than Mediterranean herbs.
Watering
Keep evenly moist; drought turns it bitter and triggers bolting.
Temperature
Prefers cool: 15–22 °C. Heat triggers premature flowering.
Humidity
50–65 %.
Target values by method & stage
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6–6.5 | 0.6–1 | 18–22 | 18–22 | 60–70 | 14 | 18 |
| Seedling | 6–6.5 | 1–1.4 | 16–20 | 15–21 | 55–65 | 14 | 21 |
| Vegetative | 6–7 | 1.4–1.8 | 16–20 | 15–22 | 50–65 | 14 | 35 |
| Harvest | 6–7 | 1.2–1.8 | 16–20 | 15–22 | 50–65 | 13 | 40 |
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6.3–6.8 | 0.6–1 | — | 18–22 | 60–70 | 14 | 18 |
| Seedling | 6.3–6.8 | 1–1.4 | — | 15–21 | 55–65 | 14 | 21 |
| Vegetative | 6.3–7.3 | 1.4–1.8 | — | 15–22 | 50–65 | 14 | 35 |
| Harvest | 6.3–7.3 | 1.2–1.8 | — | 15–22 | 50–65 | 13 | 40 |
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6–6.5 | 0.6–1 | 18–22 | 18–22 | 60–70 | 14 | 18 |
| Seedling | 6–6.5 | 1–1.4 | 16–20 | 15–21 | 55–65 | 14 | 21 |
| Vegetative | 6–7 | 1.4–1.8 | 16–20 | 15–22 | 50–65 | 14 | 35 |
| Harvest | 6–7 | 1.2–1.8 | 16–20 | 15–22 | 50–65 | 13 | 40 |
Common problems
Slow, uneven germination (pre-soaking helps), aphids, Septoria leaf spot. Bolts in its second year.
Space & Size
- Final height
- 30 cm
- Final width
- 20 cm
- Spacing
- 15 cm
- Root depth
- 25 cm
- Min. container (Hydro)
- ≥ 2 L
- Min. container (Soil)
- ≥ 3 L
- Min. container (Coco)
- ≥ 3 L
Pests & diseases
| Pest / Disease | Symptom | Organic treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | sticky leaves | rinse off, beneficials, neem |
| Septoria leaf spot | brown spots with yellow halo | remove affected leaves, improve airflow |
Edible parts
- Leaves · edible from Vegetative — main harvest, best young
- Root · edible from Vegetative — Hamburg parsley only
Yield techniques
Cut the outer stems at the base and leave the heart — it keeps regrowing.
Propagation & pollination
- Method
- seed
- Germination time
- 21 days
- Germination temp
- 18-24 °C
- Sowing depth
- 1 cm
- Pollination
- cross
- Hand pollination needed
- no
slow to germinate; pre-soak helps
Companion planting
🟢 Good neighbours: Tomato, Cherry Tomato
🔴 Bad neighbours: Coriander (Cilantro), Spearmint
Flavor
fresh, slightly peppery
Storage
In the fridge, stems in a glass of water.
History
Parsley comes from the eastern Mediterranean and is one of the oldest culinary herbs — known in ancient Greece.
Nutrition
Rich in vitamin C, K and iron.
Sources
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