The short answer

Quick Answer

Parsley thrives in full sun or partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 6-7), free-draining. Reaches 30cm tall and wide. Hardy to around -15°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Pick leaves regularly. Cut back flower spikes if they appear

How: Cut outer leaves first to encourage new growth from the centre

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Mediterranean

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Cultivated for over 2,000 years. The Romans used it as a garnish

Folklore: In ancient Greece, parsley was associated with death and used for funeral wreaths. The phrase that someone has need of nothing now but parsley meant they were about to die

Fun fact: Parsley is so slow to germinate that the old saying is that the seed goes to the devil and back seven times before it grows

Historical medicinal uses: High in vitamin C, vitamin K and iron. Used as a breath freshener. Leaves safe for culinary use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Hoverflies and small bees visit the second year flowers [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Good for hoverflies[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 9 out of 10 Fresh leaves all year round in mild areas. Small yellow flowers in second year[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Plant near rosemary, alliums and lavender in a herb bed

Pest control: Generally pest free. Watch for carrot fly on young plants

Common diseases and issues: Leaf spot, celery leaf miner, carrot fly. See RHS parsley page

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

Parsley seed is notoriously slow to germinate. We soak the seed in warm water for 24 hours before sowing, and sow in modules indoors in February for planting out in April. Two or three successional sowings through the season keep a steady supply.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Parsley

How Parsley fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Lavender, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Rosemary, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Thyme, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Sage, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Salvia (Perennial Sage), shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Bay, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Parsley.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Parsley are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Parsley. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Petroselinum crispum. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Apiaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Downie SR, Spalik K, Katz-Downie DS, Reduron JP (2010). Major lineages within Apiaceae. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 283(1-2), 111-136.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Apiaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, pollinators, medicinal_uses.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Parsley. The pollinator description above ("Hoverflies and small bees visit the second year flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Good for hoverflies") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Fresh leaves all year round in mild areas. Small yellow flowers in second year".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Hoverflies and small bees visit the second year flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Parsley's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Good for hoverflies") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Parsley. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Parsley's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Apiaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Parsley. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Parsley. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Parsley. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Parsley. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Parsley. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Parsley. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Parsley. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Parsley performs well locally

Towns where Parsley is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover