Flat Leaf Italian Parsley Seed

Flat Leaf Italian Parsley seed produces large flavorful dark green leaves that are used in salad dressings, meat dishes, soups, and more. The flavor of Flat Leaf Italian Parsley is much more pronounced than that of curled parsleys. This variety can be allowed to reseed for continuous growth.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Flat Leaf Italian Parsley is a tasty herb that is best started during the cool season in Zones 9 and 10. Southern California growers may grow this herb year-round in mild, frost-free areas.

Zones 2-8

• Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or direct sow after the danger of frost has passed. Flat Leaf Italian Parsley can grow from early spring until late fall.

Planting Parsley Seeds

• Parsley may be started indoors and transplanted out into the garden. Sprinkle seeds on the top of moist high-quality seed starting soil and cover with 1/4″ of finely sifted soil. Seeds must remain moist to germinate evenly and quickly.
• Plants can be transplanted into individual containers once the seedlings have four true leaves.
• Once the seedlings have germinated and have a first set of true leaves be sure to fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer.
• Plant your transplants out in the garden when they are 4-5″ tall. Space at least 5″ apart. 
• If you are direct sowing the seeds, make sure you sow them in debris-free, well-worked soil that has been deeply watered. Parsley enjoys full sun but can be grown in partial shade in hot climates. Follow the same directions as above.

Growing Parsley 

• Keep your plants weed-free by pulling any weeds that may compete with your crop.
• Even moisture is important and compost or mulch will help ensure even moisture. Parsley is a fan of phosphate, so adding an organic fertilizing like a bone meal is optimal. In general, parsley is not a fussy plant.

Growing Parsley in Containers

• This herb is an excellent container crop. Make sure your container is at least 10″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.
• During hot, dry months, move your container into an area of part shade.

Harvesting Parsley 

• The key to happy parsley is to use it! Harvest parsley stems by cutting about 2″ above the base of the plant. For best flavor, harvest just before the plants form flowers. You can cut back established plants several times during the growing season. This method slows the flowering process. Learn about it here in our YouTube video.
• If left to reseed in the garden, you will enjoy parsley year after year. 

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, parsley is an easy crop that will give you delicious foliage well into the fall and beyond.
• Cut back prior to flowering (harvest) for repeated foliage.
• Mulch heavily around your parsley plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much. Compost added to the soil at the time of planting will help retain moisture in the soil during hot, dry weather.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect your parsley from wilting and/or bolting in extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Interplanting parsley with your flowers is a great way to utilize space and create a beautiful and edible garden. Parsley looks especially beautiful planted with alyssum. It also grows well with other herbs like marjoram, summer savory, and tarragon. Shop all our herbs here!

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information on garden pests at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.

Parsley seeds are as much a treat for you as they are for the beneficial insects in your garden! Once your parsley goes to seed, allow it to remain in your garden to be enjoyed by pollinators and other insects that play an important role in your garden ecosystem. You can do the same by allowing other herbs to go to flower too! So whether you’re growing our Organic Basil Variety Mix, Organic Sabor Cilantro, or Organic Bouquet Dill seeds, save some flowers for the unsung heroes of your garden!

Read more about Pollinator Plants in our Garden Wisdom Blog.