Petroselinum crispum
Family: Apiaceae

Originating from southern Europe, parsley is now found in most regions of the world. Valued as both a sacred and a medicinal plant by the ancients, it is now known to contain iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. The oil from this plant is used in drugs that have been developed for the treatment of malaria, and parsley tea is reputed to be beneficial, especially for diabetics. But it is as a culinary herb that it is best known, and is generally considered an essential item in the herb garden. Delicious when used with butter and lemon when cooking fish, it is equally pleasing in salads, egg dishes, sauces, soups and stews. Parsley is complementary to other herbs, and combines with chervil, chives and tarragon to make up what is called fines herbes.

Varieties

Petroselinum crispum is an aromatic biennial, treated as an annual in the garden, which produces a thick taproot and a rosette of tightly curled, serrated, bright green foliage on long stalks. The small yellow flowers are borne in umbrella-like clusters. There are two main types of parsley cultivated, the most popular being curled-leaved. Flat-leaved or French parsley is considered to have a better flavor. There are numerous cultivars of both types.

Another type is Hamburg parsley, sometimes called turnip-rooted parsley, P. crispum var. tuberosum has roots which resemble parsnips and leaves which can be used in the same way as ordinary parsley. The roots are used as a cooked vegetable and have a delicious flavor.

Cultivation

Sow seed in spring in 1 cm (½ in) deep drills, directly where it is to grow, or in modules under glass. Plant out when large enough to handle, and space seedlings 20-30 cm (8-12 in) apart. Use a rich, well-drained soil that retains moisture. Parsley can be grown in either partial shade or in full sun. Sow fresh seed each year to obtain better quality plants. The seed is slow to germinate, sometimes taking between three and six weeks. Once established, occasional applications of nitrogen fertilizer or soluble liquid fertilizer will assist strong, leafy growth.

Climate

Zone 6.