When to Plant: Parsley can tolerate cool temperatures. You can plant outdoors 1-2 weeks before last frost date. Parsley can be kept indoors in a container successfully and planted year round.

Click here to find your last frost date.

Light: Sun to Partial Sun

Soil: Well-drained, rich soil is best, but parsley is fairly tolerant of most soils. If planting in a container, use general-purpose potting mix.

Provide moisture when the top 2” of soil/mix is dry. Time between watering cycles is determined by your soil type and climate. If in a container, daily watering may be necessary. If kept too dry, plants will stop producing leaves and bolt (shoot a central flower stem).

If planted in a container, try a slow-release fertilizer for easy care, following the recommended bottle rates. Fertilizing while planted in ground may not be necessary if soil is high quality.

To harvest, follow each stem to the base of the plant and make a cut near that point.

As a rule of thumb, don’t remove more than 40% of the plant at one time.

Parsley is often confused with cilantro because of its similar leaf shape. To tell the difference, rub a leaf and give it a whiff. The scents are distinctly different.

Parsley is an important plant for swallowtail caterpillars. I make it a habit to plant several each spring to ensure plenty for all of us!