When to Plant Parsley?

When to plant parsley? The perfect time for fresh herbs

Parsley: flat or curly?

When you think of parsley, you might immediately picture that fresh green topping on your mashed potatoes or a summer salad. But did you know there are actually two types of parsley? Flat-leaf parsley (also called "Italian parsley") has a stronger flavor, and curly-leaf parsley, which is less pronounced but still looks beautiful as a garnish. Both varieties sow and care for them the same way, so just choose your favorite!

When do you sow parsley in open ground?

In Belgium and the Netherlands, it's best to start planting parsley in the open ground between March and June. Choose a cloudy spring day or, preferably, a rainy morning for sowing. The soil will be moist then, giving the seeds a better start. Note: parsley requires some patience to germinate; count on a waiting time of three to six weeks. Therefore, a dose of solar energy after sowing is very helpful.

How to prepare the soil

Parsley thrives in airy and nutrient-rich soil. Work in compost or well-rotted manure and ensure the soil doesn't remain too wet. Good drainage prevents root rot. Want to ensure top results? Consider improving your soil with perlite or pumice as a soil conditioner.

In greenhouse: start sowing earlier

Do you have a greenhouse? Lucky you! In an unheated hobby greenhouse, you can start sowing as early as February. The temperature in the greenhouse gives your parsley seeds a head start. Sow in pots or a seed tray and place them in the light. As soon as nighttime temperatures rise above 8°C, you can harden off young plants and continue growing them outdoors in the ground.

Care, harvest and repeat

Water in moderation

Parsley prefers slightly moist soil, but definitely not wet feet. Water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells, but let the soil dry out between waterings. Hydroponic clays are ideal for houseplants, but in the garden, a layer of mulch helps keep the soil moist.

Harvest: not too eagerly

Always cut the outer stems first, leaving the heart of the plant intact, so your plant can continue to grow. You can start harvesting from about 10 cm high, usually two months after sowing. If you plant wisely, you'll sow new parsley every three to four weeks, and you'll have fresh parsley available all summer and autumn!

Growing parsley indoors in a pot?

Absolutely! Choose a pot with drainage holes, fill it with suitable potting soil for herbs and vegetables , water regularly, and place it in a bright spot. Indoors, a small watering can like this one from Elho works well for your daily dose of water.

Tips for just that little bit more flavor and power

Combine with other herbs

Parsley grows well alongside chives, basil, and cilantro. So feel free to create a small herb garden and combine your favorites. Just be careful not to plant savory or mint nearby—they're too aggressive for the tender parsley.

Let parsley survive the winter

Although parsley is a biennial, it rarely survives the Belgian winter. You can protect it in a cold greenhouse or conservatory, or pot it up and bring it indoors in the fall. The flavor will become slightly more bitter, but that spicy edge is just perfect for stews and soups.

Inspiration for those who love to grow

Are you excited about growing your own? Then be sure to check out our grow kits, such as the bonsai set or even a spicy chili grow kit ! And pssst, the Jungle Mist spray helps keep your leaves fresh and healthy without any fuss.

Also curious about when other plants can go into the ground?

We've written a whole series of blogs about the right timing for planting! Whether you want to know when to plant mint , or prefer to grow peppers or potatoes , we've got it all figured out for you! Discover all our tips now on the De Plantrekkers blog page .

And don't forget the pot!

Make sure your pot is worthy of that sturdy parsley. In our collection of planters, you'll find everything from playful to stylish. For indoors or on your patio.

Developing green fingers?

Every parsley plant starts small, just like your friend. And we're happy to help. Follow our blog, browse our selection of easy houseplants for beginners , or pop into our store in Leuven for a chat. Because at De Plantrekkers, we don't just want your plant to grow, we want your love of greenery to grow too!