Petroselinum crispum 'Forest Green'
Petroselinum crispum 'Forest Green'
The ultimate curly parsley variety featuring exceptionally dark green, tightly curled leaves that maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture longer than standard varieties. This uniform, compact plant produces abundant harvests of premium-quality leaves perfect for garnishing and cooking, with superior bolt resistance extending the harvest season. Forest Green's attractive appearance and reliable performance make it a favorite among both home gardeners and commercial growers.
Harvest
70-85d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
0-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Petroselinum crispum 'Forest Green' in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 herb →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Petroselinum crispum 'Forest Green' · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
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 |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – 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 Forest Green parsley stores best when treated like cut flowers - trim stem ends and place in a glass of water, covering leaves loosely with a plastic bag before refrigerating. Properly stored, it maintains its exceptional color and crispness for 7-10 days, significantly longer than standard parsley varieties.
For long-term preservation, freezing works exceptionally well with Forest Green's sturdy leaves. Wash, thoroughly dry, and freeze whole stems in freezer bags for up to 8 months. The leaves retain their deep color and much of their texture when frozen. Alternatively, make parsley cubes by chopping leaves and freezing them in olive oil using ice cube trays.
Drying Forest Green produces excellent results due to its low moisture content and tight curl structure. Bundle 6-8 stems and hang in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 10-14 days until leaves crumble easily. Store dried parsley in airtight containers away from light for up to one year.
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
Tomato
Parsley repels tomato hornworms and other pests while improving tomato flavor
Carrot
Parsley attracts beneficial insects that control carrot fly and other carrot pests
Rose
Parsley attracts hoverflies and parasitic wasps that control aphids on roses
Asparagus
Parsley repels asparagus beetles and provides ground cover without competing for nutrients
Chives
Both herbs have complementary root systems and chives repel aphids that may affect parsley
Marigold
Attracts beneficial insects and repels nematodes that can damage parsley roots
Pepper
Parsley provides ground cover and attracts beneficial insects that control pepper pests
Corn
Parsley grows well in partial shade of corn and attracts beneficial insects
Keep Apart
Lettuce
Competes for similar nutrients and growing space, may stunt lettuce growth
Mint
Aggressive spreader that can overwhelm parsley and compete for nutrients and space
Caraway
May cross-pollinate with parsley if allowed to flower, affecting seed quality
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #172232)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to common parsley diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, carrot weevil, parsleyworm (black swallowtail caterpillars)
Diseases
Leaf blight, crown rot, damping off