Parsley is a versatile, aromatic herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots and celery. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. Parsley comes in two main varieties: flat-leaf (Italian) parsley and curly-leaf parsley. The former has a vibrant, strong flavor, making it an ideal choice for culinary dishes, while the latter has a milder taste and is typically used for garnishing.
Throughout history, parsley has held various symbolic meanings. In ancient Rome, it was often used as a symbol of death and was commonly placed on tombs. Over time, however, its uses have expanded significantly. Today, it is widely appreciated for its distinctive flavor, nutritional benefits, and its ability to complement a wide range of dishes.
Parsley is a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. Not only does it provide nutritional benefits, but it is also believed to have various medicinal properties. Some traditional practices include using parsley to alleviate digestive problems, support kidney function, and freshen breath.
In the culinary world, parsley is a key ingredient in many dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, salads, and omelets. It is often used either fresh or dried and can be found as a primary ingredient in classic recipes like tabbouleh, chimichurri sauce, and gremolata. It pairs well with other herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro and can provide a burst of freshness to heavy or rich dishes.
This is advice is most applicable to growers in the UK, you may need to adjust the timings if you live somewhere with a different climate and/or seasons.
| Month | Tasks | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| January | sow indoors, | Sow parsley seeds in pots or trays indoors, providing a temperature of around 15°C for germination. |
| February | sow indoors, | Continue sowing parsley seeds indoors in pots or trays, maintaining a 15°C temperature for germination. |
| March | sow outdoors, plant out seedlings, | Begin sowing parsley seeds outdoors in well-drained soil, 15cm apart. Plant out seedlings from indoor sowings once they have grown 5-7cm tall. |
| April | sow outdoors, plant out seedlings, | Continue sowing parsley seeds outdoors in well-drained soil, 15cm apart. Plant out seedlings from indoor sowings once they have grown 5-7cm tall. |
| May | - | - |
| June | - | - |
| July | harvest, | Begin harvesting parsley leaves from the outside of the plant, allowing the central growth to continue. |
| August | harvest, | Continue harvesting parsley leaves from the outside of the plant, allowing the central growth to continue. |
| September | harvest, | Harvest parsley leaves as needed, always allowing the central growth to continue. |
| October | harvest, | Harvest parsley leaves as needed, always allowing the central growth to continue. |
| November | - | - |
| December | - | - |
