Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a versatile herb that can be utilized in a variety of ways, including pasta dishes, egg dishes, soup garnishes, and salad greens. It gives any dish a crisp, fresh flavor and a splash of color.
Growing parsley is simple, and it’s an important component of any kitchen herb garden. Harvesting parsley, on the other hand, necessitates some caution to avoid harming the plant. Curly leaf parsley and flat-leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) are the two most widely produced kinds, and picking either is the same.
To harvest parsley while keeping the plant healthy, don’t take more than half of the plant. Trimming leaves from the base of the stem, harvest the parsley leaves from the outside first. After you’ve removed the leaves, give the plant time to heal and grow back.
When To Harvest Parsley Leaves
Parsley plants can be harvested 16 weeks after sowing seeds, though you can begin picking leaves as soon as the seedlings become bushy. Harvesting parsley is best done in the morning when the dew has dried but before the day begins to heat up.
Which Stems Of Parsley To Harvest?
The stems (or sprigs) can be harvested if there are three or more bundles of leaves. Those with only one or two leaf bundles should not be harvested.
How To Harvest Parsley So It Keeps Growing
Harvest parsley sprigs from the plant’s outermost layers, cutting the sprig from the base of the stem near the soil. New parsley develops outwards from the center of the plant, thus picking from the outside and removing the entire stalk removes the oldest growth to make place for newer growth.
This method of cutting parsley encourages new growth and can improve a parsley plant that has become leggy. To pick parsley without injuring the plant, make a clean cut with a sharp pair of kitchen shears or scissors. This will provide a clean-cut and reduce the risk of harm or disease. Keep the soil moist after harvesting to help the plant recuperate.
How To Store Fresh Cut Parsley
Store parsley stems in a glass of fresh water or between damp paper towels in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. It will last a few weeks in the fridge. If you wish to keep the parsley for a longer period, freeze it. You may slice it up and freeze it in an ice cube tray with olive oil, then pop it out as required. It’s also a simple herb to dry, and dried parsley retains a lot of flavors.
A Step-by-step Guide To Harvesting Parsley
The following are a step-by-step guide to harvesting Parsley:
Materials
- A parsley plant (flat-leaf or curly parsley)
Tools
- Sharp garden scissors or secateurs
Instructions
- Look for a stem with more than three-leaf bundles on your parsley plant.
- To make an excellent clean-cut, cut the stem about 1 inch above the soil with sharp scissors or secateurs.
- If you’re harvesting parsley for leaves, keep going until you’ve used up half of the plant or until you’ve harvested enough parsley.
- If you’re harvesting parsley to boost the health of your plant, keep pruning until you’ve eliminated all of the long, lanky stems from the plant’s outer edge; you can take up to half of the plant.
- To ensure that the parsley plant regrows, maintain it in a bright place and water it regularly.
Will Parsley Grow Back After Cutting?
Yes, after cutting, parsley will sprout. The more stems you cut, the bigger the plant becomes and the better your harvest.
