Curly Leaf Parsley
Petroselinum crispum var. crispum
Petroselinum crispum 002 by H. Zell (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
H7-H1c
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
30cm | Min | 20cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Curly Leaf Parsley
Curly Leaf Parsley Overview
One of the most well-known, popular herbs the world over and ideal for the kitchen garden. Curly Leaf Parsley is one of the two main groups of parsley - the other being Flat-leaved Parsley. Petroselinum crispum var. crispum forms a vigorous rosette of green foliage and is chosen by many chefs as a garnish for its attractive, compact, curly leaves. There are more than 30 variations of Curly leaved Parsley. This plant is part of the Petroselinum genus and its thought to be a variety, this is a taxonomic level below that of species.
Common problems with Curly Leaf Parsley
Cabbage loopers.
Curly Leaf Parsley Companion Plants
How to harvest Curly Leaf Parsley
Leaves ready for harvest 80 days after sowing. To ensure the best-flavoured leaves, treat Parsley like an annual - cut out the flower stalk when it appears to prevent the plant from going to seed and harvest leaves as needed. Best used during the first year. Can be frozen or dried. Let the plant produce seed in the 2nd season when leaves will turn bitter.
How to propagate Curly Leaf Parsley
Seed
In Spring to Summer, soak seeds for 3 days, changing the water every day. Then sow in a spot with bright light, 6mm deep, in rich, well-drained soil. Keep moist. Germination in 5-6 weeks.
Special features of Curly Leaf Parsley
Pot plant
Well suited as a pot plant. Will give a continuous crop if clipped regularly. Use a pot that is at least 30cm x 30cm.
Attracts useful insects
Parlsey blooms will attract insects.
Attracts bees
Other uses of Curly Leaf Parsley
Medicinal
Useful to stimulate appetite, relieve flatulence and urinary tract troubles and to improve the function of adrenal glands. Acts against bad breath and soothes bee stings and open wounds. High chlorophyll content gives it antiseptic properties.
Edible
Leaves and stalks have a clean, peppery flavour used universally in all kinds of food, and as a garnish. Contains a lot of Vit A and C, Calcium and Iron. Contains essential oil and coumarin. Leaves have a fresh taste, but the stems' flavour is stronger.
Cosmetic
Parsley seed oil is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.
Edibles to Sow Under Cover in December
Grow these on a sunny windowsill or in a heated propagator for winter picking.
Herbs
Whether its for their leaves or flowers, grow these plants nearby to use in culinary dishes.
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