Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
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Pl. C789 — Petroselinum crispum
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IOverview
Overview
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herb native to Algeria, Greece, Morocco, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves, which are commonly used in cooking. The parsley found in Algeria has adapted well to the local climate, making it a hardy plant within USDA zones 5-8. Its distinctive feature is the curly or flat leaf variety, with the curly type being more common. Parsley is often grown from seeds spaced about 15cm apart for optimal growth and harvest.
Quick answers
What is Parsley?
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herb native to Algeria, Greece, Morocco, and Yugoslavia. This plant thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It grows up to 0.6 meters tall and is known for its edible leaves, which are commonly used in cooking.
What is Parsley used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Parsley
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Parsley has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, often consumed as a tea or added to meals. It may help alleviate minor digestive discomfort.
The mechanism by which parsley supports digestion is not fully characterised but it likely involves its high content of flavonoids and volatile oils that can aid in soothing the gastrointestinal tract.
- Parsley is traditionally used to support immune function, particularly due to its high vitamin C content. Regular consumption may help maintain a healthy immune system.
The mechanism involves the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of parsley's vitamins and minerals, which can enhance immune response.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Parsley support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Parsley thrives in partial to full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is best suited for biennial cultivation, requiring spacing of about 15 cm between plants. The soil should be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy in temperate regions, parsley can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. For optimal growth, maintain consistent moisture and avoid overwatering. Propagate through seeds or division, as it is a biennial plant that flowers and sets seed in its second year.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
- Spacing
- 15cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Parsley for the first time
7steps
Start with easy-to-grow parsley for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Parsley seeds or seedlings, small pots or garden bed, compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Use well-draining containers if growing in pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep and 15 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist, water regularly to avoid drying out. Place in a sunny spot but provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize with compost tea every 4-6 weeks. Pinch back flowers to encourage leaf growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune parsley regularly by cutting off outer leaves, leaving inner ones for continued growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Colouring, Tea
Other uses:Essential OilHairDynamic accumulatorFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 26 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 26 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 4 native· 26 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (1)Greece
introduced (9)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFranceGreeceRussiaSpain
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Costa Rica
Africa5 regions
native (2)AlgeriaMorocco
introduced (3)Cabo VerdeComorosMorocco
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Arkansas, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Baltic States, Bermuda, Argentina Northeast, Brazil South, California, Cape Provinces, Connecticut, Yugoslavia, Crozet Is.
VIIIGarden companions
3 pairs
Garden companions
3 pairsPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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