How can I grow parsley year-round?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.To grow parsley all year round requires seasonal planning based on the region in which you are growing. As an all-seasons herb grower, my lifestyle enables me to incorporate fresh living herb recipes throughout the year. This requires seasonal shifting and planting considerations. You will likely want to use outdoor gardening in combination with indoor strategies, as well as preservation strategies to keep your linked systems flowing. All-time success relies on understanding the needs of parsley each season and the methods of herb cultivation in order to create a synergistic living environment.
Seasonal Transitions
- Spring/summer: Plant in garden beds with weekly harvesting
- Fall: Transfer plants to pots before first frost hits
- Winter: Use hydroponics or sunny windowsills indoors
Indoor Solutions
- South-facing windows provide essential winter light
- Grow lights supplement 4-6 hours daily at 5000K
- Hydroponic systems ensure consistent growth without soil
Planting Techniques
- Succession planting every 8 weeks maintains supply
- Preservation methods store excess for off-seasons
- Microclimate creation extends outdoor growing periods
Growing parsley indoors requires attention to both light and temperature. I use LED grow lights and hang them 6 inches above the plants. The indoor temperature should be maintained between 60°F and 70°F, with a constant humidity level. Water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Rotate pots once a week to ensure each side receives equal light. These conditions are as close to the outside as possible.
Succession planting provides a continuous, beautiful harvest. Sow seeds every 8 weeks, regardless of the season. I have trays of seedlings that I forget about, but they are at different ages when I transplant them. Transplant tubers when the plants have 3-4 true leaves.. This gives me harvest-ready parsley year-round.
Preservation methods can fill the void between harvests. Chopped parsley freezes well in ice cube trays (with water). Sprigs can be dried in a dehydrator at 95°F for 8 hours. Roots can be stored in damp sand at temperatures between 32°F and 40°F. Any of these methods will keep the flavor for months.
Climate adaptations lengthen outdoor seasons. In cooler climates, we use a cold frame until temperatures drop below 25°F. Gardeners in southern climates use shade cloth during the summer heatwaves. During snowstorms, I will harvest fresh parsley under thermal row covers.
Read the full article: How to Grow Parsley: Complete Expert Guide
