Plain Flat Leaf Parsley - 0.1 gram

Plain Flat-Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum neapolitanum) is a robust, fast-growing herb known for its broad, deeply green, serrated leaves and strong, slightly peppery flavour. Compared to curly parsley, it has a more intense taste, making it a favourite in culinary dishes, especially in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This biennial herb is often grown as an annual and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It is ideal for fresh use, drying, or freezing and grows well in both gardens and containers.

Choosing the Right Location:

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight).

Soil: Well-draining, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Enrich with compost before planting.

Planting:

Sowing Time:

Indoors: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost.

Outdoors: Direct sow in early spring when soil temperatures reach 10-21°C.

Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting to improve germination.

Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep, 15 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart.

Germination: Takes 14-28 days; parsley is slow to sprout, so be patient.

Watering & Care:

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times per week.

Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost every 4-6 weeks for optimal growth.

Harvesting:

Time to Maturity: 70-80 days.

How to Harvest: Pick outer leaves first, cutting stems near the base to encourage new growth. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Continuous Harvest: Regular cutting promotes bushier growth and prevents bolting.

Common Issues & Solutions:

Pests: Watch for aphids and caterpillars; use neem oil or hand-pick pests.

Disease: Prevent root rot by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.

Plain Flat-Leaf Parsley is a must-have for any herb garden, providing a continuous supply of fresh, flavourful leaves for cooking. With proper care, it will thrive throughout the growing season and can even survive mild winters!