Growing Parsley, also curly leaf parsley or flat leaf (Italian) parsley

Petroselinum crispum : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S S S S S       S S S S
T T T T T T       T T T
P P P P P       P P P P

(Best months for growing Parsley in South Africa - Humid sub-tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 30 cm apart
  • Harvest in 9-19 weeks. Cut stalks from outer part of plant.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Carrots, Chives, Tomatoes, Asparagus
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
  • A parsley seedling
  • Flat leaf Italian parsley

Takes a long time to germinate, about 3 - 5 weeks before the seedlings appear. Grows to about 20 - 30 cm (8 - 10 in) until it flowers when the stems will shoot up to about 1 m (3 ft).

The useful leaves disappear when parsley flowers so it is best to have some more seedlings ready to plant.

Will self seed and produce plenty of new plants every year. Can survive snow and light frosts

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Parsley

Use the leaves and stems to add flavour and colour.
Can be cooked in dishes such as ratatouille.
Traditionally used in white sauce.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
29 Mar 19, Joanne Townshend. (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Do the hadedas (Egyptian ibis) destroy parsley
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Dec 17, Thabani Mazibuko (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
what other cultivars of parsley beside; flat leaf variety and curley leaf variety that can grow well in Southern Africa? where can i get at least four(4) of the parley varieties to research on
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Apr 16, nombulelo (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can i get it
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Jan 14, Josephine (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Help!! I have a small herb garden which gets moderate afternoon sun. The basil, chilli bush, thyme, oregano and mint is doing really well, however the parsley, chives and rosemary are very unhappy. Any advice?
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Nov 13, Olakunle (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can i get parsey in south africa johannesburg
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Mar 13, Sonnyboy Malaza (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
in which regions/places can i grow parsley in south africa?
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Jun 13, Micky (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Parsley grows just about everywhere. It's resistant to cold weather, but don't like dry and too hot places. If you live in an arid area rather grow them in a courtyard where they are shielded from the worst sun or keep them well watered in the herb patch as they wilt quite quickly during hot months. To keep the soil from drying out in summer pack used (cooled) teabags around the parsley or chips of bark. As long as they are kept well hydrated (not over watered) you should be able to grow parsley successfully.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 May 12, valerie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Very cold winters - where do I plant/grow parsley - indoors how? Do i put it in the sun during the day and under cover at night!
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Jun 13, Micky (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
We farm in the Ermelo weather district which is also freezing cold between April and September and I grow parsley with success outside in the veggie patch. They do grow best when protected from wind like in a sunny courtyard, but they seem to be quite hardy and resistant to anything but drought. My grandmother used to grow her's in large steel drums and they just boomed. She also added used (cooled) teabags to her parsley and that seemed to make them grow even better. It works well for garden mint (the common variety) as well.
Reply or Post a new comment
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Parsley

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.