Parsley Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Parsley Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Parsley

Seed Starting:
Plant parsley seeds 1cm (½”) deep in sterilized seed starting mix for indoor starts, using peat pots or plug trays to accommodate its taproot, which prefers minimal disturbance.

When sowing directly outdoors, create drills 3cm (1¼”) deep and space them 8cm (3″) apart, thinning eventual plants to 15cm (6″) apart for optimal growth.


Growing:
Parsley thrives in well-prepared beds. Enrich the soil with plenty of rotted manure or compost well in advance, ideally several weeks or during the fall before planting. To ensure a robust summer harvest, position plants to enjoy partial shade throughout the day, such as on a building or fence's east or west side.

For a winter harvest, begin sowing new seeds by late summer and transfer them to a sunny spot by September. Parsley can be grown in milder climates throughout winter with cloche protection for warmth.


Harvesting:
Harvest parsley by snipping individual sprigs from the plant's perimeter or removing entire plants as required. For preservation, dry sprigs using a food dehydrator. Alternatively, chop and freeze sprigs in ice cube trays covered with water. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag for long-term storage, ensuring fresh parsley is at hand for your favourite dishes year-round.

Parsley Pests & Diseases

Aphids:
Aphids are tiny sap-sucking pests that can weaken plants and spread diseases.

Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to your garden. Plant companion plants that repel aphids, such as marigolds.

Wash plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge aphids. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to affected areas, ensuring thorough coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves.


Carrot Rust Fly:
The larvae of this fly can damage the roots of parsley plants.

Use floating row covers to prevent flies from laying eggs. Rotate crops annually.

Remove and destroy infested plants. Apply beneficial nematodes to the soil to target and reduce larval populations.


Downy Mildew:
This fungal disease appears as yellow spots on leaves, which then turn brown.

Ensure good air circulation around plants and water the soil directly, avoiding wetting the foliage.

Remove affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Apply fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions, choosing organic options.


Powdery Mildew:
A white powdery coating on leaves indicates this fungal issue.

Plant parsley in sunny locations and space plants adequately.

Prune-affected areas. Apply sulfur-based or biological fungicides early on to control outbreaks.