Halifax Herb Parsley Italian Flat Leaf Pkg.

Common Name: Italian Flat Leaf Parsley

Scientific Name: Petroselinum crispum

Life Cycle: Biennial, usually grown as an annual

Description Detail: A strong-flavoured culinary parsley with broad, dark green, glossy leaves held on strong, upright stems. The flat leaves have a rich, fresh flavour and are excellent for soups, salads, sauces, garnishes and many other dishes.

Days to Germinate: 14-28 days

Bloom / Harvest: Approximately 70-78 days to maturity. Harvest the outer stems and leaves as needed once plants are well established. Plants may flower in their second year before producing seed.

Germination Needs: Sow seeds approximately 6 mm (¼") deep in moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the relatively slow germination period. Soaking seeds before sowing can help encourage faster germination.

Lighting: Full sun to partial shade

Watering Needs: Keep soil evenly moist during germination and establishment. Once established, water regularly when the soil begins to dry, particularly during hot or dry weather.

Starting Instructions: Start indoors approximately 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost, or direct sow outdoors once the soil can be worked. Parsley develops a taproot, so transplant young seedlings carefully to avoid disturbing the roots. Thin established plants to approximately 15-20 cm (6-8") apart.

Care Instructions: Grow in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Harvest outer stems first, allowing the centre of the plant to continue producing new growth. Remove yellowing leaves and keep the area free of weeds.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Garden Benefits: Provides a continuous supply of fresh culinary herbs and attractive green foliage. Parsley flowers in its second year can attract beneficial insects and pollinators.

Special Notes: Halifax Seed lists Italian Flat Leaf Parsley under Petroselinum crispum. The standard Broadleaf Italian Parsley is listed at 78 days, while the current organic Italian Flat Leaf listing is 70 days and is suitable for containers.

Tips For Success: Be patient during germination, as parsley can take several weeks to emerge. Keep the seedbed consistently moist and harvest outer stems regularly rather than cutting the entire plant at once.

Companion Plants: Tomatoes, asparagus, peppers, carrots, chives, onions, peas and lettuce.