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Thursday 26 May 2011

Tips on Growing Parsley


ParsleyPotted Italian Parsley
Parsley
A biennial herb (Petroselinum)grown as an annual. Its many horticultural varieties are grouped as curled leaved (var. crispum), fernleaved (var. filicinum) and Hamburg or "rooted" (var. radicosum). Though the leaves of all are used for flavoring meat dishes, soups, salads, etc., the curled varieties are most popular in America for this purpose and for garnishing, though the fern-leaved are just as attractive. Hamburg Parlsey is generally cooked like parsnips.


As parsley seed germinates slowly (sometimes taking several weeks), it should be soaked in warm water overnight before planting. Sow outdoors in early spring in rows 10 to 12 inches apart, and cover 1/2 inch deep. Later thin the plants to stand about 6 inches apart.

The leaves may be cut all season for use as needed. In the fall they may be dried and stored in tight jars, or roots may be transplanted into pots or hydroponic planters to be grown on indoors. The following spring remove the flower stems as fast as they appear so as to keep the plants producing leaves until those grown from a newly sown crop are ready.
Parsley grows well in a deep pot, which helps accommodate the long taproot. Parsley grown indoors requires at least five hours of sunlight a day.

Parsley grows well in loamy garden soil rich in nitrogen, and does well in full sun or part shade. Parsley can overwinter if lightly mulched during extremely cold weather.

Growing Parsley

Growing CulturesOutdoors, containers, hydroponics.
Plant HeightParsley plants grow to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 - 45cm).
Plant SpacingParsley plants should be spaced 9 to 12 inches (22 - 30cm) apart.
Preferred pH Range
Parsley will grow in a pH range between 5.6 (acidic) and 7.5 (neutral) with a preferred range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Propagation
Sow indoors in sunny location or under plant grow lights six weeks before last frost.
Seed Germination Period21 to 28 days.
Seeds Per Gram (Approximate)650 to 1,000.
Soil Requirements
Tolerates most soils, but rich, well-drained, moist, with a pH between 6 and 7 is best.
Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.
Time From Seed to Saleable PlantSow in plugs or direct in pots, 4 to 5 seeds per plug or 12 seeds per pot. Seeds to finished plugs, eight weeks. Plugs to saleable plants, six weeks.
Sun & Lighting RequirementsParsley grown outdoors prefers full sun and can tolerate some shade.
Parsley will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output fluorescent , compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.
USDA Hardiness5a to 9b.
Water RequirementsAverage water needs. Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater.
Potential Pests & DiseasesWhitefly, spider mites, aphids. Minimal disease issues.
Special NotesGrown for aromatic foliage. Suitable for containers.


Growing Parsley....2
 Growing Parsley can be slightly more of a challenge when compared to growing other herbs but it should still be a relatively simple process. Parsley is one of the most popular herbs that are grown in english and mediterrenean herb gardens. Parsley can be used for flavouring or as a garnish. It is also a good source of nutrition and can be used for neutralising strong smelling breath (Garlic springs to mind). 

Although Parsley is a biennial herb it is normally grown as an annual as results after the first year are poor.


Sowing

Growing parsley requires more patience than other herbs as it has a long germination period - around 3 to 4 weeks. Germination of parsely requires warm temperatures so a warm room is advised rather than outside. Because germinating parsley is trickier than most herbs you may wish so station sow a number of seeds in a 4 inch pot in case some seeds don't germinate. If a number of seeds germinate in one pot thin all but the strongest one seedling.

Parsley can be moved outside if required and can be transplanted into containers or well dug soil. If growing outside then sow your plants indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before you plan to move them outside.

Position

Parsely requires a good amount of light and will do best when receiving around 6 hours of sun a day but will tolerate partial shade.

Soil type

Parsley likes a well drained, moisture retaining soil. If growing in containers ensure that it has adequate drainage holes and that they aren't blocked. Parsley is slightly more fussy about its soil requirements than most herbs, a soil rich in rotted organic matter with good levels of nutrients will result in a good crop.

Parsley will grow well in a soil that is pH 6.0- 7.0

If growing indoors then a normal potting compost will be sufficient.


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