Flat-leaf Parsley
Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum
An herbaceous biennial plant featuring bright green, flat, deeply lobed, and serrated leaves arranged in compound clusters on hollow stems.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist; drought will cause premature bolting. Signs of under-watering include wilting and dry leaves.
- Growth
- Herbaceous biennial typically grown as an annual, forming a basal rosette that grows 1 to 2 feet tall with a spread of about 1 foot
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade, consistently moist and well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and regular watering without allowing the soil to become waterlogged.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist; drought will cause premature bolting. Signs of under-watering include wilting and dry leaves.
Soil
Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with an optimal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9
Growth habit
Herbaceous biennial typically grown as an annual, forming a basal rosette that grows 1 to 2 feet tall with a spread of about 1 foot
Bloom season
Spring to summer of the second year, producing flat-topped umbels of small greenish-yellow flowers
Propagation
Propagated primarily from seeds, which can be slow to germinate and benefit from pre-soaking in warm water before planting
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils, leaf spot, and pests such as aphids and carrot rust fly larvae; prevent by ensuring good drainage and proper plant spacing
Similar species
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) and Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum); distinguish by examining the characteristic leaf shape, distinct aroma when crushed, and leaflet serrations