Petroselinum crispum aka Parsley

Taxonomy

Genus Petroselinum Family Apiaceae Order Apiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Petroselinum crispum, commonly known as parsley or garden parsley, is a biennial plant native to Greece, Morocco, and the former Yugoslavia, but has been introduced and naturalized in many parts of the world with suitable climates. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is widely cultivated as a herb and vegetable. The herb has a long history and was originally grown in Sardinia around the 3rd century BC. It is a popular cooking ingredient in European, Middle Eastern, and American cuisine, and is often used as a garnish or sprinkled on top of dishes. Parsley has three varieties: curly leaf, flat leaf, and root parsley. The curly leaf is commonly used as a garnish, while the flat leaf has a stronger flavor and is easier to cultivate. The root parsley is often used as a snack or vegetable in soups, stews, and casseroles in central, eastern, and southern European cuisines. The plant produces a rosette of leaves and a white spindle-like root in the first year, and a long, ribbed, branched stem with dark green, toothed, triangular leaves and egg-shaped fruits in the second year. It blooms from June to July with small yellow-green or white blossoms. To grow parsley, sow seed early in the spring and soak it in warm water. Once grown, it can be used for flavoring salads, stews, soups, sauces, and salad dressings.

Common names

Parsley, Curled Parsley, Garden Parsley

How to care for Parsley

Difficulty

Parsley requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Parsley should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Parsley loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Parsley requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Parsley will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Parsley to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Parsley is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

The Parsley does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Parsley’s native range is western Europe to northern Africa.

Flower

If you provide your Parsley with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.

More info:
Wikipedia