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Entire healthy mature parsley plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 25–40 cm tall, 20–30 cm wide at maturity.

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss

Also called: Flat-leaf parsley, Curly parsley

Family
Apiaceae
Season
Cool-season hardy biennial
Best grown in
Portland, Oregon

A slow-germinating, hardy biennial herb that crops from early summer through winter in mild climates.

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Life cycle & growth stages

  1. 1. SeedSoak overnight; sow 1 cm deep.
  2. 2. GerminationSlow: 2–4 weeks.
  3. 3. TransplantSet out small to avoid taproot shock.
  4. 4. Mid-growthRosette of divided leaves.
  5. 5. HarvestCut outer stems repeatedly.
  6. 6. Second yearFlowers on umbels; leaves turn bitter.

Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.

Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after last frost; direct sow 3 weeks before to 3 weeks after last frost; 70–90 days to maturity from sowing. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.

ParsleyPetroselinum crispum
PlantStart indoorsDirect sowAutumn sowTransplantTendHarvest
ParsleyFeb 8–Feb 22 (estimate)Mar 15–Apr 26 (estimate)—Mar 22–Apr 19 (estimate)Apr 26–May 24 (estimate)May 24–Dec 12 (estimate)
  • Start seeds indoors: Feb 8 – Feb 22
  • Direct sow: Mar 15 – Apr 26
  • Transplant outdoors: Mar 22 – Apr 19
  • Tend and monitor: Apr 26 – May 24
  • Harvest: May 24 – Dec 12

Spacing & support

In-row 20–25 cm; rows 30–30 cm. Planner footprint: 1 cell of 30 cm, 2 plants per cell.

Side-profile diagram of mature parsley: canopy 25–40 cm tall, 20–30 cm wide, medium root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.

Soil & water

Soil
Fertile, moist loam
pH
6–7
Fertility
moderate
Water
Regular water for tender leaves.
Frost
hardy; tolerates frost

Support & training

No support structure needed.

Parsley mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.

Harvest signs

  • Stems with 3 leaf segments
  • Cut outer stems at the base
Parsley at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: stems with 3 leaf segments; cut outer stems at the base.

Common problems

Pests: parsley worm (swallowtail caterpillar), carrot rust fly, aphids

Diseases: leaf spot, crown rot

Appearance alone is not a diagnosis; confirm with a regional extension guide.

Side-by-side: healthy parsley leaf or fruit and an example of leaf spot.

Container growing

  • Minimum 3 L (20 cm deep)
  • Use quality potting mix and water more frequently
Mature parsley in a correctly sized container (3 L or more) with drainage visible.

Companion overview

2 reviewed relationship records (evidence: low).

Supported or conditional

None reviewed

Avoid or separate

None with evidence

2 popular pairings reviewed with no verified relationship.

Full companion profile

Crop rotation

Avoid planting parsley or other carrot family crops in the same spot for 2 years. Rotation is about previous seasons, not about live neighbours.

Year 1Year 2Year 3ApiaceaeOther familyOther familyback after 2+ years

Shared risks in Apiaceae: carrot rust fly, Alternaria leaf blight, parsley worm (swallowtail caterpillar).

Crop rotation hub

Sources, reviewer & update

Sources

Reviewer: Garden Planner editorial team (pending independent horticultural review)

Last reviewed: August 15, 2026 · version 1

Found an error or have feedback? Let us know.

Growing parsley

Parsley seed takes 2–4 weeks to germinate; soaking overnight and sowing in warm compost indoors speeds it up. Plants are hardy, crop through their first winter in mild regions and flower in their second spring, when the leaves turn bitter.

Parsley seed beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Parsley seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Parsley mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.

Parsley has a taproot and dislikes transplant shock once large; set out small. It is an Apiaceae crop for rotation and is a host for the parsley worm (swallowtail caterpillar), which many gardeners tolerate. Second-year flowers are visited by hoverflies and small wasps.

Two or more mature parsley plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (20–25 cm).
Parsley flower detail or bolting stage.
Immature leaves of parsley developing on the plant.

Edible parts and safety

Edible: leaves, stems, root (Hamburg types).

Hands or tool harvesting parsley correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.

Pests and diseases

Common pests: parsley worm (swallowtail caterpillar), carrot rust fly, aphids. Common diseases: leaf spot, crown rot. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.

parsley worm on parsley, with a wider damage-context view.

Timeline

Season timeline for parsley: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Start seeds indoors Feb 8–Feb 22; Direct sow Mar 15–Apr 26; Transplant outdoors Mar 22–Apr 19; Tend and monitor Apr 26–May 24; Harvest May 24–Dec 12.

Related plants

See also: Apiaceae family page · crop rotation · regional calendar · guides

Our Methodology & Sources

We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.

Evidence tiers

Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified

Primary source types

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • University extension publications
  • Government & research institute reports
  • Systematic reviews & meta-analyses

Last updated

August 24, 2026

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