One of the most common culinary herbs, parsley is a biennial from Mediterranean Europe. The six species in this genus have rigid stems and toothed leaves. The second year brings tiny, starry flowers and small fruits. Leaves become tougher in the second year, so it is generally grown as an annual. It makes an attractive edging for vegetable or flower gardens, and also grows well in pots. The flowers often attract beneficial insects.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsParsley is a biennial usually grown as an annual. It is a host plant for black swallowtail butterfly larvae.
CareGrow in full sun or partial shade in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Protect outdoors in winter or move to a cold greenhouse.
PropagationSow seeds where they are to grow in spring and summer and water well until they sprout. Mulch to protect late sowings.
ProblemsStem rot, damping off, leaf spots, and viruses transmitted by carrot fly and celery fly larvae.
