Botanical profile

Curly parsley

Latin name
Petroselinum crispum var. crispum
Common name
Curly parsley
Type
Biennial grown as an annual
Family
Apiaceae

Curly parsley is a biennial herb much appreciated for its dark green, dense, finely cut, and very decorative foliage. Its fresh, slightly peppery, and herbaceous taste makes it a kitchen staple for flavoring salads, soups, sauces, omelets, potatoes, vegetables, fish, meats, marinades, and garnishes. Thanks to its curly and voluminous foliage, it is also very useful for adding texture to herb pots, planters, urban vegetable gardens, and edible flowerbeds.

Easy to grow, curly parsley prefers a location in soft sun or partial shade, in rich, cool, fertile, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering to maintain tender, flavorful, and green foliage, especially during hot periods. Frequent harvesting of outer stems encourages the production of new leaves and helps keep the plant compact, dense, and productive for a long time.

Both aromatic, decorative, and very versatile, curly parsley is an essential plant for any gourmet garden. Its leaves can be used fresh or added at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color. It is an excellent herb for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow plant, practical for everyday use, and perfect for regular harvesting near the kitchen, on a terrace, or in a vegetable garden.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Decorative and edible aromatic curly foliage
Vegetable patch, herbs, balcony, container, edible border, fresh cooking
Container growing
Excellent in pots in a deep, well-drained container
Seasonal care
Harvest outer stalks as needed; protect from excessive heat; allow some plants to go to seed in the second year if desired
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4 and above
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil moist without waterlogging
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers cool soil
Fertilization
Compost when sowing; light and regular fertilization in pots
Soil type
Fertile, cool, organic matter-rich, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-20 °C
Propagation method
Sowing
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Second year, spring to summer
Flower color
Yellowish green
Fruiting
Aromatic seeds in the second year
Foliage color
Dark green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Compact, curly habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
25 to 40 cm (10 to 16 inches)
Width
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Tomatoes, chives, asparagus, roses
Plants to avoid
Lettuces, mint
Spacing
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Harvest period
Spring to autumn leaves
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.