«Giant» - Organic Parsley Seeds

Becoming increasingly popular, the rich green leaves of this tall-growing, flat-leaved parsley are useful for adding (usually at the last minute) to many dishes.

Most gardeners sow parsley seed indoors to give the plants a head start; soak the seeds overnight, then plant them 1/4" deep and keep them at 65-70 degrees F. Because parsley has a notorious habit of slow germination, don't expect to see sprouts for 3-5 weeks. Keep the soil evenly moist. Transplant the seedlings when the average outdoor soil temperature reaches 60 degrees F, spacing them 6" apart in full sun or partial shade. Parsley also grows well as a container plant. Parsley has shallow roots, and should not be allowed to dry out for long. Mulch to help conserve moisture and control weeds.
 

Harvest the leaves as needed, taking the large outer leaves first and removing at least 10" of stem with the leaves to keep the plant healthy. The whole plant can be harvested at once, cutting it off just above ground level; more leaves will grow. Use immediately or freeze to preserve freshness. Ukrainian Bogatyr flat parsley tends to have stronger flavor than the curled types.
 

Though most varieties of parsley can survive below zero temperatures when mulched well, another method of overwintering is to dig up the entire plant, cut down the stems to 1", and plant it in sand; keep it in a 32-40 degrees F location until spring replanting. Watch the developing seed heads carefully, since they tend to shatter easily; pick each one as it becomes dry and mature. Additional drying time may be needed. Clean the seed by rubbing the heads through a screen or shaking them. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.