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Garden Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, gardens, rocky places, sea cliffs, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 5 petals
 
Yellowish-green flowers, appearing inside 5cm wide umbels. The lower bracts are sometimes lobed. Insect pollinated.
Fruit:
Globular fruit. The seeds ripen from July to September.
Leaves:
Bright green, shiny, crisp, 2 to 3-pinnate leaves, later fading to yellow. Biennial.
Aroma:
Smells pleasantly fresh.
Other Names:
Ache, Curled Parsley, Devil-and-back-ten-times, Herb of Death, Herb Venus, Parsley.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Petroselinum crispum, commonly known as parsley, is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to the central Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated as a herb and a vegetable. Parsley is a biennial plant, meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle. It has small, green, and divided leaves that are used as a seasoning for a wide variety of dishes, and also as a garnish. Its leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, Parsley root is also edible, and it's more flavorful than the leaves. The plant reproduces by seed and it's easy to grow, it can be grown from seed or from cuttings.

Blog

Garden parsley, scientifically known as Petroselinum crispum, is a biennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now widely cultivated all over the world. Garden parsley is a versatile herb that is commonly used as a garnish in dishes, but it also adds a fresh, bright flavor to soups, stews, salads, and sauces.

Appearance and Growth

Garden parsley is a small plant that typically grows up to 30cm tall. It has dark green, glossy, and toothed leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. The plant produces small, white or yellow-green flowers in the second year of growth. Garden parsley has a deep taproot that allows it to thrive in well-draining soil with moderate moisture.

Culinary Uses

Garden parsley is one of the most widely used herbs in the culinary world. It is a key ingredient in traditional dishes like tabbouleh, chimichurri, and gremolata. Garden parsley has a slightly peppery and slightly bitter taste that pairs well with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It is often used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to dishes.

Aside from its culinary uses, garden parsley is also known for its health benefits. It is a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

Cultivation and Care

Garden parsley is a relatively easy herb to grow and can be cultivated in a garden or in a container. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it requires moderate moisture. Garden parsley grows best in partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun. It is recommended to sow parsley seeds directly in the soil in early spring, as they can take several weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings emerge, they should be thinned to allow for proper growth.

Garden parsley is a biennial plant, which means that it completes its life cycle in two years. In the first year, it produces leaves and a taproot. In the second year, it produces flowers and seeds. To prolong the life of the plant, it is recommended to harvest the leaves regularly and remove any flower stalks that may appear. Garden parsley can be harvested throughout the growing season, but it is best to wait until the leaves are at least 8cm long before harvesting.


30 Facts about Garden Parsley

30 Facts About Garden Parsley:

  1. Garden parsley is a biennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region.
  2. It is also known as common parsley, curly parsley, or flat-leaf parsley.
  3. The scientific name for garden parsley is Petroselinum crispum.
  4. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes carrots, celery, and fennel.
  5. Garden parsley is widely cultivated all over the world.
  6. The leaves of garden parsley are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.
  7. It is a versatile herb that is commonly used as a garnish in dishes, but it also adds flavor to soups, stews, salads, and sauces.
  8. Garden parsley has a slightly peppery and slightly bitter taste that pairs well with garlic, lemon, and olive oil.
  9. It is a key ingredient in traditional dishes like tabbouleh, chimichurri, and gremolata.
  10. Garden parsley is also known for its health benefits, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  11. It may also help improve digestion and reduce bad breath.
  12. Garden parsley is a relatively easy herb to grow and can be cultivated in a garden or in a container.
  13. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
  14. Garden parsley grows best in partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun.
  15. It is recommended to sow parsley seeds directly in the soil in early spring.
  16. Parsley seeds can take several weeks to germinate.
  17. Once the seedlings emerge, they should be thinned to allow for proper growth.
  18. Garden parsley is a biennial plant, which means that it completes its life cycle in two years.
  19. In the first year, it produces leaves and a taproot.
  20. In the second year, it produces flowers and seeds.
  21. To prolong the life of the plant, it is recommended to harvest the leaves regularly and remove any flower stalks that may appear.
  22. Garden parsley can be harvested throughout the growing season.
  23. It is best to wait until the leaves are at least 8cm long before harvesting.
  24. Garden parsley can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  25. It can also be dried or frozen for later use.
  26. Flat-leaf parsley has a stronger flavor than curly parsley.
  27. Italian parsley is a variety of flat-leaf parsley that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
  28. Garden parsley is not toxic to dogs or cats, but it should be given in moderation.
  29. Some people may be allergic to garden parsley and should avoid it.
  30. Garden parsley is a great herb to have in your kitchen and garden.

Garden parsley is a biennial herb that is widely cultivated all over the world. It is a versatile herb that is commonly used as a garnish in dishes, but it also adds flavor to soups, stews, salads, and sauces. Garden parsley has a slightly peppery and slightly bitter taste that pairs well with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It is a key ingredient in traditional dishes like tabbouleh, chimichurri, and gremolata. Garden parsley is also known for its health benefits, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a relatively easy herb to grow and can be cultivated in a garden or in a container. Garden parsley is a great herb to have in your kitchen and garden.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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