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Curly Parsley

Petroselinum crispum var. crispum

The quintessential garnish herb with tightly curled, emerald green leaves that add both visual appeal and fresh flavor to countless dishes. This biennial herb is incredibly hardy and productive, offering continuous harvests from spring through fall and even surviving light frosts. Its dense, ruffled foliage makes an attractive edging plant while providing a reliable source of vitamin-rich fresh herbs.

Harvest

70-90d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

3–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

0-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Harvest

Showing dates for Curly Parsley in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 herb →

Zone Map

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Curly Parsley · Zones 3–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1 inch per week, consistent moisture

SeasonCool season

FlavorFresh, grassy, slightly bitter with earthy undertones

ColorDeep emerald green

Size1-2 inch leaf clusters

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 4	March – April	June – July	—	July – October
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	—	June – October
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	—	June – November
Zone 7	February – March	April – June	—	June – November
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	—	May – December
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	—	April – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The small, ridged seeds are formed in the second year from July to September. The fruit and seeds are poisonous to birds.

Type: Schizocarp.

Harvest time: Fall, Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Leaves as flavoring and garnish

Storage & Preservation

Fresh curly parsley stays crisp for 7-10 days when stored like cut flowers—trim stem ends and place in a jar of water, then cover leaves loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate. Change water every 2-3 days when it becomes cloudy.

For longer storage, wash and thoroughly dry leaves, then wrap in slightly damp paper towels before placing in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Properly stored this way, parsley maintains quality for up to 2 weeks.

Freeze whole clean sprigs in ice cube trays covered with water or olive oil for convenient cooking portions. For dried parsley, harvest just before flowering when oils are concentrated, then air-dry in small bundles hung upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area. Properly dried parsley retains color and flavor for 6-12 months when stored in airtight containers away from light.

History & Origin

Origin: Europe

Advantages

+Attracts: Butterflies
+Wildlife value: Host plant for swallowtail butterfly.
+Edible: Leaves as flavoring and garnish

Considerations

-Toxic: Low severity

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Tomatoes

Parsley repels tomato hornworms and aphids while improving tomato flavor

Carrots

Parsley improves carrot growth and flavor while carrots help loosen soil for parsley roots

Chives

Both herbs repel aphids and other pests while sharing similar growing conditions

Roses

Parsley attracts beneficial insects that help control rose pests like aphids

Asparagus

Parsley repels asparagus beetles while asparagus provides light shade for parsley

Peppers

Parsley deters pepper pests and attracts beneficial predatory insects

Strawberries

Parsley improves strawberry growth and helps repel harmful insects

Marigolds

Both plants work together to repel nematodes and various garden pests

Keep Apart

Mint

Aggressive spreading nature can overwhelm parsley and compete for nutrients

Lettuce

Both compete for similar nutrients and parsley can inhibit lettuce germination

Caraway

Cross-pollination can affect seed production and flavor of both herbs

Nutrition Facts

Calories

36kcal(2%)

Protein

2.97g(6%)

Fiber

3.3g(12%)

Carbs

6.33g(2%)

Fat

0.79g(1%)

Vitamin C

133mg(148%)

Vitamin A

421mcg(47%)

Vitamin K

1640mcg(1367%)

Iron

6.2mg(34%)

Calcium

138mg(11%)

Potassium

554mg(12%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #170416)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Good resistance to most diseases

Common Pests

Aphids, carrot fly, spider mites

Diseases

Crown rot, leaf blight, powdery mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does curly parsley take to grow from seed?▼

Curly parsley takes 70-90 days from seed to first harvest, but germination alone requires 2-4 weeks. Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last frost for best results, or direct sow in early spring knowing that emergence will be slow and potentially uneven.

Can you grow curly parsley in containers?▼

Yes, curly parsley grows excellently in containers at least 8 inches deep with good drainage holes. Use quality potting mix enriched with compost, and place containers where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates. Water when top inch of soil feels dry.

Is curly parsley good for beginners?▼

Curly parsley is very beginner-friendly once established, tolerating neglect and various growing conditions. The main challenge is the slow, uneven germination—starting with transplants from a nursery eliminates this hurdle and gives new gardeners immediate success.

What does curly parsley taste like compared to flat-leaf?▼

Curly parsley has a milder, grassier flavor with subtle earthy undertones and less of the peppery bite found in flat-leaf varieties. While some consider it less flavorful, this makes it ideal for delicate dishes and garnishes where you want fresh herb taste without overwhelming other ingredients.

When should I plant curly parsley?▼

Plant curly parsley 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost for summer harvest, or in late summer (8-10 weeks before first fall frost) for winter growing in mild climates. In zones 8-10, fall planting often produces the best crops as plants prefer cooler weather.

Does curly parsley come back every year?▼

Curly parsley is biennial, producing leaves the first year and flowers/seeds the second year before dying. However, it readily self-seeds, so you'll often get volunteer plants. In mild climates, plants may survive winter and provide early spring harvests before bolting.