What Do Parsley Seeds Look Like? A Complete Guide to Identifying and Growing this Versatile Herb

Parsley is one of the most widely used herbs in cooking. Its fresh, herbaceous flavor brightens up dishes from soups to salads. While the curly leaf variety is most common, Italian or flat leaf parsley actually has more flavor. Both can easily be grown from seeds at home. But have you ever wondered—what do parsley seeds look like?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying, harvesting, and planting parsley seeds for a successful crop of this multipurpose herb.

What Do Parsley Seeds Look Like?

Parsley seeds are very small, only 1-2mm long They have an oval, slightly flattened shape When fresh, parsley seeds are a medium green color. As seeds dry, they turn a brown or yellow-brown shade. The surface of parsley seeds is slightly irregular, with a longitudinal ridge down one side. Under a magnifying glass, you can see a faint net-like pattern on the seed coat.

In comparison to other herb seeds like dill or fennel, parsley seeds are relatively round and smooth. They lack the wispy fine hairs (‘tails’) of their relatives in the carrot family.

When purchasing parsley seeds, look for plump seeds without cracks or dark spots. Avoid any seeds that are shriveled looking or broken. High quality seeds will have good germination rates, leading to a productive parsley crop.

Where Do Parsley Seeds Come From?

Parsley is a hardy biennial herb. During the first year after germination, it produces only leafy growth Then in year two, the plant ‘bolts’ and sends up a tall central stalk that will flower and set seed Once pollinated by insects, the flowers give way to seeds.

The small oval seeds develop in little chambers within the dried flower head. Each umbel can contain dozens of seeds.

Commercial parsley seed is generally harvested from field grown plants in their second year. The seed heads are cut, threshed and dried to separate out the seeds.

For home gardeners, there are two main options for getting parsley seeds:

• Purchase seeds: While you can collect seeds from your own plants, it’s often easier to buy parsley seeds for planting. Reputable seed companies sell different varieties bred for flavor and growth habits.

• Save seeds from parsley plants: Let some parsley plants flower and set seed in year two. Then snip off the seed heads when they turn brown, and dry them indoors. Rub the dry flower heads between your hands to separate the seeds.

No matter their source, parsley seeds need to be kept cool and dry for best viability. Storing seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator helps preserve them.

When and How to Harvest Parsley Seeds

If you decide to collect your own parsley seeds, timing is important. Here are some tips for identifying when parsley seeds are ready for harvest:

• Watch for flowers: Parsley will produce umbrella-shaped flower heads on long stalks after overwintering. The flowers are usually white, yellow, or greenish in color.

• Monitor seed pods: After the flowers fade,SEED HEAD_ENT green seed pods will develop where the flower clusters were. As seeds mature inside, the pods will turn brown and dry.

• Check seed pods often: Parsley seeds are ready to harvest when the pods turn brown, but before they split open. If left too long on the plant, seeds will scatter in the garden.

• Feel for dryness: Gently rub the pods between your fingers to check if seeds inside seem dry. If they still feel soft, give them more time.

The best time to actually collect parsley seeds is mid to late summer. To harvest:

• Snip off entire seed heads once the pods are brown and seeds are dry. Use pruners for a clean cut.

• Place seed heads in a paper bag, and let them finish drying indoors out of direct sunlight.

• After 5-7 days, rub the seed heads gently to separate seeds from pods. Discard empty pods and chaff.

• Store cleaned parsley seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. Label with the variety and year harvested.

Properly dried and stored, parsley seeds will remain viable to plant for 1-3 years.

How to Plant and Grow Parsley from Seeds

One of the joys of saving parsley seeds is using them the following season. Here are some tips for success growing parsley from seeds:

Start seeds indoors

Parsley can take 3-4 weeks to germinate, so it’s best to get seeds started indoors about 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date.

• Fill starter pots or trays with seed starting mix, and moisten the soil. Poke holes about 1⁄4 inch deep.

• Drop 1-2 seeds in each hole, and lightly cover them with mix. Gently water.

• Cover seeds trays with plastic domes to retain moisture, and keep them at 65-70°F.

• Once seedlings emerge, remove domes and place pots in sunny south-facing window.

Transplant outdoors

After hardening off for 7-10 days, transplant parsley seedlings into the garden:

• Prepare garden beds with compost and a balanced organic fertilizer. Parsley prefers nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.

• Space parsley plants 6-12 inches apart in full sun (or partial afternoon shade).

• Set seedlings at the same depth they were growing in pots. Water new transplants well.

Direct sow seeds outside

If you live in a warm climate, you can also directly sow parsley seeds into the garden:

• Prepare soil and choose a planting site as described above.

• Wait until after the last frost to sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep and 6 inches apart.

• Water gently to avoid washing seeds away. Keep soil moist but not soaked for best germination.

• Thin emerging seedlings to final spacing.

No matter how you start your plants, be sure to feed parsley monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea. This encourages lush, flavored foliage. Harvesting often also promotes steady regrowth.

What to Expect from Growing Parsley from Seeds

When grown from seeds, here’s what you can expect from your parsley plants:

• Germination: Parsley seeds are slow to sprout, taking 14-21 days. Soaking seeds in water overnight before planting can accelerate germination. Consistent moisture and warmth are vital.

• Growth rate: Parsley establishes slowly at first. But once established, the plants grow rapidly. Expect parsley seeded in spring to be ready for harvest by midsummer.

• Time to harvest: Parsley’s leaves can be snipped for culinary use anytime once plants reach 4-6 inches tall. Continual harvest encourages steady production into fall.

• Lifecycle: Parsley is a biennial. In areas with mild winters, plants may survive a second season and produce flowers/seeds again. Elsewhere, it’s grown as an annual.

• Mature plant size: Given adequate space and nutrients, parsley will grow 12-18 inches tall and up to 16 inches wide at maturity.

The Many Uses of Parsley Grown from Seeds

Aside from answering your question “what do parsley seeds look like,” this guide aims to encourage growing this useful herb from seed. Here are some ways to put all that homegrown parsley to work:

• Add fresh chopped parsley to salads, soups, pasta sauces, and more for a burst of herby flavor.

• Use parsley’s edible stems and leaves as a crunchy garnish or in marinades.

• Dry extra parsley leaves on screens or by hanging small bunches. Store dried parsley to use in cooked dishes all winter.

• Mix chopped parsley into herb butters and dips. It pairs especially nicely with citrus, garlic, or chives.

• Whizz up parsley, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice in the blender for a quick sauce or drizzle.

• Punch up the nutrition of green smoothies by blending in a handful of parsley leaves.

However you ultimately use it, homegrown parsley from seed is super flavorful. Now that you know what parsley seeds look like and how to plant them, it’s time to grow this versatile herb in your own garden.