Parsley: The Slowest Seed You’ll Ever Grow
Parsley takes 14–21 days to germinate — the slowest common herb. Once established, it produces for 2 years. Soak seeds before planting.
Parsley requires patience at the start but rewards you with a long-producing plant.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 14-21 |
| Days to harvest | 70-90 |
| Sun | 4-6 hours |
| Spacing | 8-10 inches |
| Lifespan | Biennial (2 years) |
| Flavor | Fresh, grassy |
Why Grow It
- Long-producing. Harvest for 2 years.
- Cold-hardy. Survives frost.
- Versatile. Italian, Middle Eastern, American cooking.
- Nutrient-dense. High in vitamins A, C, K.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Slow germination. Soak seeds 24 hours before planting. Failure 2: Yellow leaves. Nitrogen deficiency. Failure 3: Bolting in second year. Biennial. Bolts in spring of year 2.
Comparison
| Variety | Leaf | Flavor | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-leaf (Italian) | Flat | Stronger | 70-90 |
| Curly | Ruffled | Milder | 70-90 |
| Hamburg | Root | Parsnip-like | 90-100 |
Common Questions
Why is my parsley not sprouting? It’s slow. 14-21 days is normal. Soak seeds first.
Is flat or curly better? Flat has more flavor. Curly is for garnish.
Can I grow it indoors? Yes. 4-6 hours of light.
Does it come back every year? Biennial. Produces year 1, bolts year 2.
Can I freeze it? Yes. Chop and freeze.
How do I harvest? Cut outer stems at base. Leave the center.