What you need to know about Italian flat leaf parsley
Name: Parsley, Italian flat leaf parsley, Italian parsley, flat leaf parsley, continental parsley, Petroselinum crispum
Height: 25-35cm
Foliage: A biennial herb
Climate: All climates
Soil: Plant in a soil enriched with compost and decomposed manure
Position: Full sun
Flowering and fruiting: N/A
Feeding: Regular applications of a seaweed solution or organic liquid fertiliser to encourage strong deep green growth
Watering: Regular watering required, especially during hot, dry weather
Appearance and characteristics
Generally considered the more culinary of the parsleys, Italian flat leaf parsley has a strong flavour that is best added to cooking at the last minute to maximise flavour and nutrition. All parts of the plant are edible, just like curly leaf parsley, however it is less bitter than its curly relative. Often mistaken for coriander, both have very distinct and different flavours, which makes identification easy.
Uses for Italian flat leaf parsley
A culinary herb of great merit, parsley grows in pots and garden beds, bringing a fresh flavour to cuisines from around the world. A nutrient rich herb, parsley has myriad health benefits to match its versatility in the kitchen.
Caring for Italian flat leaf parsley
Once established, parsley is easy to grow as long as it has full sun and adequate water. If left to dry out, parsley can run to seed prematurely. Protect from snails and slugs and apply a seaweed solution regularly during establishment to maintain optimal plant health.
How often should you water and feed
Parsley enjoys a moist soil and regular watering, especially during hot or dry weather. In pots, daily watering will be required during the summer months. In gardens every second day should suffice. Mulch to keep soil moist.
A leafy green, parsley enjoys regular applications of a seaweed solution or organic liquid fertiliser. Apply a complete granular fertiliser in spring and autumn.
How and when to prune Italian flat leaf parsley
Harvest regularly as required, never removing more than half the plant at a time. Harvest from the outside inward to use the oldest leaves first.
Diseases and pests
Snails and slugs will devour young seedlings as well as germinating seeds, so protect with snail and slug pellets and snail traps.
If you like this then try
Curly parsley: a more decorative type of parsley that is tolerant of part shade.
Coriander: a popular herb that’s also versatile in cuisines from around the globe.
Chives: a mild onion-like herb that can be harvested when needed.
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