Common parsley, Petroselinum crispum, is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae). It is common as a garnish or as a flavoring in many dishes and salads. Curly types look great in most gardens too, whether they’re used in a border or with other herbaceous plants. Native to the Mediterranean area, parsley has a biennial life cycle. Gardeners usually grow it as an annual in our region, because the plants often die during cold winters.
Parsley is a versatile culinary herb that adds flavor to many dishes. With its fresh, green leaves, it also makes a beautiful, edible garnish. While parsley is relatively easy to grow, it does have some specific watering needs. Proper watering is key to keeping your parsley healthy and productive. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how often to water parsley.
Outdoor Parsley Watering Frequency
Parsley grown in outdoor beds or containers requires a thorough soaking about once or twice per week during the growing season, The soil should be moist to a depth of around 2 inches after watering Allow the soil to dry out almost completely before watering heavily again,
Aim to keep water around the base of parsley plants, avoiding getting the leaves wet as much as possible. Overhead watering can lead to disease issues on the foliage. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal for watering parsley beds.
Soil type impacts watering frequency. Parsley grown in sandy soils may need more frequent watering while loamy soils hold moisture better. Mulching around plants helps retain soil moisture. Monitor soil moisture regularly by touching the top few inches of soil. If it’s dry it’s time to water.
During very hot, dry periods, parsley may need watering 3 times per week Cooler weather means you can water less often Adjust watering based on weather conditions and soil dryness.
Indoor Parsley Watering Needs
Parsley grown as a houseplant has similar watering needs as outdoor plants. However, potting mix dries out quicker than garden soil. Check soil moisture daily by touching the surface. Water whenever the top inch is dry.
Make sure indoor parsley pots have drainage holes at the bottom and a drainage tray. Allow excess water to drain fully after watering. Never leave pots sitting in water.
Indoor parsley may need watering every 2-4 days on average. Water less frequently in cool rooms. Mist parsley leaves occasionally to increase humidity around the plant.
Watering Parsley at Planting
When planting parsley seeds or transplants, water them in well right after planting. Seeds should be kept moist continuously for around 3 weeks until they germinate. Water transplants when the top 1⁄2 inch of soil feels dry.
Signs Your Parsley Needs Water
Keep an eye on your parsley for signals that it’s thirsty:
- Leaves are drooping or wilting
- Soil is dry 1-2 inches down
- Leaves appear dull, greyish or browned at the edges
- New growth is stunted
Parsley often shows water stress before other herbs. If you notice any of these symptoms, water your plants, whether in a garden or container.
Consequences of Underwatering Parsley
Insufficient water will stunt the growth of parsley plants. It causes the leaves to wilt and turn brown. Parsley’s normally bright green color will fade.
Without enough moisture, parsley struggles to take up nutrients from the soil. Deficiency symptoms like yellowing leaves may appear. Flowering and seed production will decrease.
Severe drought stress can kill parsley plants. Young seedlings are particularly vulnerable. Underwatering during parsley’s first year may prevent it from being able to regrow the next season.
Problems Caused by Overwatering Parsley
While parsley needs consistent moisture, waterlogged soil can also damage plants. Saturated soil prevents roots from getting oxygen. Root rot and foliar diseases are common parsley problems when overwatered.
Symptoms of overwatering include:
- Soft, mushy leaves
- Wilting, drooping leaves
- Yellowing or browned lower leaves
- Stunted growth
- Root rot
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Improve drainage by adding organic material or gravel to soil. Parsley in containers needs pots with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix.
Tips for Watering Parsley Effectively
Follow these tips to keep your parsley hydrated correctly:
- Check soil moisture before watering – don’t water on a schedule
- Water when top 1-2 inches of soil is dry
- Thoroughly soak soil until moisture reaches 6-8 inch depth
- Allow soil to dry again before next watering
- Adjust frequency based on weather, plant size and soil type
- Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses or water gently at base of plants
- Water in early morning so leaves dry quickly
- Add mulch to help retain soil moisture
When to Water Parsley
- After sowing or transplanting new plants
- When top inch of soil is dry
- During dry spells and heat waves
- If plants show signs of drought stress
- Less often in cool weather or high humidity
How Much Water Does Parsley Need?
Parsley needs around 1-2 inches of water per week from rainfall or irrigation during the growing season. Individual plants need about 1/2 gallon of water per square foot of planted area when the soil is dry. Adjust amounts based on weather and soil conditions.
Proper watering is vital for growing robust parsley plants. This herb needs consistently moist soil, but overwatering can be just as detrimental. To keep your parsley thriving, monitor soil moisture and watch for signals of water stress. Aim for a thorough soak when the top few inches of soil are dry. Adjusting your watering schedule based on environmental factors will help prevent both underwatering and overwatering. With the right balance of moisture, your parsley will reward you with an abundant harvest of flavorful leaves.
Soil pH and fertility
- Have your soil tested.
- A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is best.
- Fresh parsley grows best in soil that drains well and has a lot of organic matter in it.
- Use a commercial 5-10-5 fertilizer at a rate of three ounces per 10 feet of row to feed plants in garden beds once or twice during the growing season.
- Every three to four weeks for outside plants in containers and every four to six weeks for indoor parsley. Use a liquid fertilizer that is half as strong as what it says on the label.
The most common variety is common or curly parsley, Petroselinum crispum. Curly parsley typically grows 8-14 inches tall. They form dense clumps that are great for borders, interplanting in garden beds, and indoor or outdoor containers.
Italian flat-leaf parsley, P. neapolitanum, is another popular variety. This plant can grow two to three feet tall and is gangly in habit. The flat, serrated leaves taste stronger and sweeter than the other types, which makes them better for cooking.
Hamburg parsley, P. tuberosum, has white, fleshy, parsnip-like roots, used in flavoring soups. It has tall, fern-like leaves.
Japanese parsley, Cryptotaenia japonica, resembles Italian parsley but is not as common. It has a more bitter taste and is present in Asian cuisine.
- Direct seeding is the easiest way to start parsley.
Parsley seedlings
- The rate of germination depends on how fresh the seed is, and can be anywhere from two to five weeks. First, soak the seeds in warm water for up to 24 hours. This will speed up the process.
- Like most herbs, parsley grows best where it is sunny and gets direct light for six to eight hours a day. It can tolerate some light shade.
- After the spring frost danger has passed, plant the seeds right in the ground where you want to grow them. Cover seeds with one-eighth inch of soil. Keep them moist.
- Because seeds take so long to grow, it’s helpful to mark the rows.
- As the seedlings grow, they will look like grass, with two narrow seed leaves facing each other. Seedlings should be thinned or moved when they are two to three inches high.
- Final spacing should be 10-12 inches apart.
It’s easy to grow parsley indoors as long as it has a bright spot and holes in the bottom of the pot to let water drain away. The plants may be a bit spindly when grown indoors because of lower light levels.
Start seeds indoors in the late winter six to eight weeks before the last frost date.
All About Parsley
FAQ
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