Italian Parsley
- botanical name: Petroselenum crispum var. neapolitanum
- annual, biennial zone 6
- height 18-24″
- spacing 12″ apart
- morning sun/afternoon shade
- average soil
- flower color
- uses in garden: great in containers, as an edging or border
- use in salads, potatoes, fish dishes, stews, pestos, and on tomatoes
- attracts butterflies
*Please note: We accept plant orders at any time of the year and if you prefer to place an order outside our regular shipping months of April-May, ordering is still easy. “Why we only ship in April and May”
Due to the nature of shipping live plants, when you place an order, we will simply hold your order and ship it at the proper time for your zone, when weather permits in April 2013. Seed packets are shipped year round through USPS.
For more information see our “Ordering and Shipping Policy.”
Italian Parsley is one of the most common and often used culinary herbs. Like Curled Parsley, Italian Parsley is a biennial, so it generally dies away after two years, in zones lower than 6. The flavor of these two varieties are very similar, though Italian is supposed to be slightly superior, and its leaves more tender for cooking. Italian Parsley is often referred to as Italian Flatleaf Parsley because compared to other parsleys that are available, this one has the flat leaf.
Parsley is best known in the kitchen as an essential element in many cooked dishes and soups and as a component in herbs fines, but it is also very pleasant in the garden, particularly because it attracts butterflies. It is also best to grow it, since fresh parsley is drastically better than dried parsley. The drying process causes the herb to lose not only the freshness but also much of the subtlety and pungency of its green, delicate flavor. Fresh parsley in a soup or casserole is excellent in combination with basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. It is particularly complementary to dishes that include tomatoes, such as marinara sauces. Parsley is also an essential ingredient in the classic Middle Eastern dish tabbouleh. This herb does not have an overwhelming flavor, so it is easy to experiment with it: add it to potatoes, fish dishes, stews, pestos, and pasta salads. Find great Parsley recipes here!
In the Jewish tradition of the Passover, parsley is dipped in salt water (representing tears) as a symbol of spring and new hope for freedom.
Italian Flatleaf Parley seeds are also available. Purchase them here.
Sowing Instructions:
Sow seed directly into fine garden soil or start indoors early, then transplant in spring when all danger of frost has passed. Spread seed on warm soil and cover wtih 1/8-1/4 inch fine soil. Seeds will germinate in 14-30 days. Once plants are two to three inches tall, thin to space plants 12 inches apart. 75 days to harvest.
Italian Parsley is a biennial, which means it will live through two growing seasons and then will need to be replaced. It is favorite food for the swallowtail caterpillars, but don’t worry they don’t eat much, nor do they damage the plant.
