Petroselinum Parsleyfrom the family Apiaceae Herb of the month, March
"Parsley is more than just a garnish: it can be added to other foods to enhance their flavour; it's a natural breath freshener and a strong diuretic. Parsley is full of vitamins and minerals, and can even be used in a rinse to kill head lice." Jekka McVicar
Parsley is a hardy biennial: this means that it produces roots and leaves in the first growing season, then flowers, seeds and dies by the end of the second.
Petroselinum crispum Parsley
Petroselinum crispum French -
French Parsley
Native to central and southern Europe, in particular the Medit-erranean region, parsley is now widely cultivated throughout
the world.
It was once believed that only a witch or pregnant woman could grow parsley; and if it was transplanted, this would bring misfortune upon the household.
The Greeks had mixed feelings about parsley: it was associated with Archemorus, the Herald of Death, so they decorated their tombs with it. The Romans, however, consumed parsley in vast quantities, and made garlands for banquet guests to discourage drunkeness and to counter strong odours.
The secret to growing parsley successfully from seed is to maintain a consistent temperature during germination, and to keep the soil moist.
Propagation
Seed: In cool climates, sow seedlings under cover only in plug trays or pots to ensure a succession of plants. Avoid seed trays because it dislikes being transferred. Cover with perlite. If you have a heated propagator, a temperature of 18°C (65°F) will speed up germination. It takes 4-6 weeks without bottom heat, and 2-3 weeks with.
When the seedlings are large enough, and the air, soil and temperature have started to rise (about mid-spring), plant out 15cm (6in) apart in a prepared garden bed.
Garden Cultivation: Parsley is a hungry plant and likes a good deep soil: not too light, and not acid. Always feed the chosen site well in the previous autumn with well-rotted manure.
If you wish to harvest parsley all year round, prepare 2 different sites. For summer supplies, a western or eastern border is ideal because the plant needs moisture and prefers a little shade. For winter supplies, a more sheltered spot will be needed in a sunny position.
The seeds should be sown thinly, in drills 30-45cm (12-18in) apart and about 3cm (1in) deep. Germination is very slow. Keep the soil moist at all times, or the seed will not germinate.
As soon as the seedlings are large enough, thin to 8cm (3in), and then 15cm (6in) apart. If the leaves turn a bit yellow, cut back to encourage new growth and feed with a liquid fertilizer.
At the first sign flower heads appearing, remove them if you wish to continue harvesting the leaves.
Parsley - keep moist whilst germinating
French Parsley -
likes a good, deep soil
In the second year, parsley runs to seed very quickly. Dig it up as soon as the following year's crop is ready for picking, and remove it from the garden.
Container Growing: Parsley is an ideal container herb; it even likes living inside on the kitchen windowsill, as long as it is watered, fed and cut. Curly parsley can look attractive as an edging to a large pot of nasturtiums; it can also be grown in hanging baskets (keep well watered) and window boxes (give it some shade in high summer).
Harvesting: Pick parsley leaves during the first year for fresh use, or for freezing (by far the best method of preserving parsley).
Parsley - the main ingredient of Bouquet Garni
Uses:
Culinary: Parsley is a widely used culinary herb, valued for its taste as well as its rich nutritional content. Cooking with parsley enhances the flavours of other foods and herbs. The best flavour is obtained by adding it just before the end of cooking. Add to meat, poultry and vegetable dishes; it is also the main ingredient of Bouquet Garni.
Medicinal: Parsley is a rich source of vitamins, including vitamin C, and is also high in iron and other minerals, and contains the antiseptic chlorophyll.
It is a strong diuretic suitable for treating urinary infections, and also fluid retention. It also increases mothers' milk and tones the uterine muscle.
An infusion made from crushed parsley seeds is effective in killing head lice. Infuse one teaspoon of crushed seeds for 10 minutes, strain, and use as a final rinse.
Warning: Avoid medicinal use during pregnancy. There is an oil produced from parsley, but it should only be used under medical supervision.
French Parsley - high in vitamins
and minerals
How to Order: we currently grow 2 varieties of Petroselinum Parsley, listed below.
