Curly leaf parsley

One of the most well-known, popular herbs the world over and ideal for the kitchen garden. Curly leaf Parsley is one of the two main groups of parsley - the other being Flat-leaved Parsley. It forms a vigorous rosette and is chosen by many chefs as a garnish for its attractive, compact, curly leaves. There are more than 30 variations of Curly leaved Parsley.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Summer

Fruiting time

Summer

Harvesting

Leaves ready for harvest 80 days after sowing. To ensure the best-flavoured leaves, treat Parsley like an annual - cut out the flower stalk when it appears to prevent the plant from going to seed and harvest leaves as needed. Best used during the first year. Can be frozen or dried. Let the plant produce seed in the 2nd season when leaves will turn bitter.

Propagation

Seed

In Spring to Summer, soak seeds for 3 days, changing the water every day. Then sow in a spot with bright light, 6mm deep, in rich, well-drained soil. Keep moist. Germination in 5-6 weeks.

Special features

Pot plant

Well suited as a pot plant. Will give a continuous crop if clipped regularly. Use a pot that is at least 30cm x 30cm.

Attracts useful insects

Parlsey blooms will attract insects.

Geography

Origin

Western Asia and Eastern Mediterranean regions.

Natural climate

Temperate

Environment

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Soil moisture

Moist

Soil type

Loam, Clay, Chalk, Compost, Sand

Soil PH preference

Neutral, Acid, Alkaline

Frost hardiness

Hardy

Uses

Medicinal

Useful to stimulate appetite, relieve flatulence and urinary tract troubles and to improve the function of adrenal glands. Acts against bad breath and soothes bee stings and open wounds. High chlorophyll content gives it antiseptic properties.

Edible

Leaves and stalks have a clean, peppery flavour used universally in all kinds of food, and as a garnish. Contains a lot of Vit A and C, Calcium and Iron. Contains essential oil and coumarin. Leaves have a fresh taste, but the stems' flavour is stronger.

Cosmetic

Parsley seed oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

Personality

Family

Apiaceae

Flower colour

Yellow

Scent

Mild

Problems

Cabbage loopers.

Tobacco whitefly

Bemisia tabaci

Large cabbage white butterfly

Pieris brassicae

Red spider mite

Tetranychus urticae

Nematodes

Phylum: Nematoda

Black vine weevil

Otiorhynchus sulcatus

Rust

Pucciniales

Companion plants

Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Wild carrot

Daucus carota

Sweetcorn

Zea mays

Onion

Allium cepa

Pea

Pisum sativum

Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis