The most well-known meal garnish is parsley (Petroselinum crispum), which serves as a plate brightener and air purifier. Parsley is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial that is often planted as an annual and belongs to the carrot (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae) family.
Parsley thrives in direct sunshine, as do other herbs. In hot, humid conditions, partial shade is advantageous, but parsley does not need it to flourish.
Does Parsley Like Sun Or Shade?
The following are conditions that determine if Parsley like sun or shade;
Hardiness
Plant hardiness zones 2 to 11 of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allow parsley to be cultivated as an annual. As per Floridata, it enjoys temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
It can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F, making it winter hardy in USDA zones 9 and higher.
Parsley despises humid conditions and will perish if temps above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Parsley might benefit from afternoon shade in areas where temperatures are this high.
Read also: Can Parsley Grow In Water?
Indoor Care
Parsley is frost fragile and will die back throughout the winter before sprouting again in the spring.
If this is not an option, parsley can be transported indoors and positioned in a sunny window or under grow lights for the winter.
Harvest the outer leaves first, sparing the fresh fragile leaves in the center rosette, according to Floridata.
Parsley must be cultivated in a container with a drainage hole in the bottom and wet soil media that drains effectively.
Culture
Parsley grows best in a rich, well-draining soil that is kept wet throughout the growing season.
Plants grown in direct sunlight will dry out faster than those grown in moderate shade, necessitating more regular watering to keep the soil hydrated.
If seeds are needed, parsley can be cultivated as a biennial, as seeds are only generated in the second year of the plant’s life.
As per the Missouri Botanical Garden website, the delicious leaves lose their enticing flavor after flowering.
Propagation
At 77 degrees Fahrenheit, seed germination is slow and uncertain, ranging somewhere from seven days to six weeks. Drench seeds in warm water for a full day before planting to hasten germination.
Just barely cover the seeds with soil. Seeds can be grown indoors six to eight weeks before the last spring frosts or planted immediately in the garden once the frosts have passed.
If starting from seed, leave 8 to 12 inches between plants to minimize overcrowding.
Read also: How To Grow Parsley Indoors In Water
Can Parsley Get Too Much Sun?
Parsley thrives in both full and partial sunlight. To assist your parsley heal from a drooping look, keep the soil surrounding it moist (but not soaked).
How Do I Keep My Parsley Plant Alive?
- Trim the bases of the stems to allow for more water absorption.
- Fill a jar or glass halfway with water, then add the parsley, submerging the stems by an inch or two.
- Using a plastic bag, carefully cover the container of herbs.
- Refrigerate any leftovers. If the water becomes hazy, it should be replaced (every few days). Herbs should last one to two weeks in the refrigerator.
How Often Should You Water Parsley?
Outdoor-grown parsley has to be watered thoroughly once or twice a week. To a depth of about 2 inches, the soil should be wet.
Allow the soil to dry up completely before watering it again. Keep the water near the plants’ base and attempt to maintain the leaves as dry as possible.
Read also: How Long Does It Take To Grow Parsley
Benefits Of Parsley
Parsley is a very potent herb. Not simply for its ability to thrive in the face of a scarcity of water.
In fact, because of its numerous critical minerals and nutrients, the herb is chock-full of health advantages! Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, folate, and iron, are all present.
It’s fantastic for bone health and is high in antioxidants, which promote general health!
