Curly Parsley

Parsley grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.  Sprinkle seeds and cover with 1/8th inch of soil or compost. The seeds can germinate at temperatures from 5 to 32 C, while the optimum temperature is 27C. The seeds should come up in 10 to 14 days.  But they can take as long as three weeks at lower temperatures.  Keep the seed bed moist with regular watering. Typically, parsley plants spread 12 inches or more across from a central crown and grow about 8 to 10 inches tall. When they bloom, the flower stalk can reach 2 to 3 feet tall. Typically, parsley plants spread 12 inches or more across from a central crown and grow about 8 to 10 inches tall. When they bloom, the flower stalk can reach 2 to 3 feet tall.

Begin harvesting parsley when the plants have grown about 6 inches across. Harvest the larger leaves at the outside of the plant leaving the new interior shoots to mature. Don’t take more than one-third to one-half of the foliage at one time.