Petroselinum /pɛtrɔsɛˈliːnũː/
Common name: Parsley
Petroselinum A small genus in the carrot family with just a handful of species, of which Petroselinum crispum, parsley, is the only one commonly grown. Native to the Mediterranean, it has been cultivated since antiquity as both a culinary herb and a medicinal plant. It grows as a biennial in full sun or part shade and appreciates steady moisture while establishing from its slow-germinating seeds.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Regular; keep soil evenly moist
Soil
Rich, moist, well-draining
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe
Fun facts
- Parsley comes in two main types: curly-leaf and flat-leaf (Italian), with the flat-leaf form prized for stronger flavor.
- In its second year, parsley flowers and sets seed before dying, completing its biennial life cycle.
- Parsley is a host plant for the caterpillars of the black swallowtail butterfly.
- Ancient Greeks used parsley wreaths to crown victors of athletic games.