Dark Green Italian Flat Leaf Parsley Seeds

Dark Green Italian is a flat-leaf type of parsley that is tolerant to rain and sunshine, making it an easy variety to grow. The celery-like glossy dark green leaves are produced from tall stocky stems that can reach up to 18 inches. Leaves may be cut repeatedly for fresh use and Dark Green Italian is also an excellent drying variety.

- Latin Name: Petroselinum crispum
- Life Cycle: Biennial, often grown as an annual
- Days to Maturity: 50
- Canada Hardiness Zone: 6-9
- Planting Depth: 5 mm
- Plant Spacing: 30-40 cm
- Growth Habit: 30-45 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

The ideal garnish to spruce up any plate, parsley is easily grown and a welcome addition to any kitchen garden.

Seeds can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost in your area. Or sow directly into the garden after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to 10 degrees. Soak in water 24 hours prior to planting for a more even germination. Plant seeds at 5 mm and space plants 30 cm apart.

Select a garden site that receives morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon. Parsley will produce the best leaves where ambient temperature is 15-18 degrees. Mix a slow-release fertilizer with loose, well-drained soil before or at the time planting. Parsley will grow well alongside peppers, tomatoes and asparagus. Avoid planting parsley in the same area of its relatives, carrots and celery, to prevent cross-pollination.

Do not overwater, but keep soil evenly moist. Parsley requires plenty of nutrients to produce its lush green leaves. Feed with liquid seaweed a few times during the season and don’t be shy about supplementing with compost to give it a boost.

Cut off all outer leaves at the base, don’t let flowers form and prune away any dead leaves to keep the plant productive. Harvest as needed throughout the season. Fresh leaves will add a pleasant zip and bright green color to any homemade meal.

QUICK FACTS

- Some historians credit Charles the Great, the Holy Roman Emperor, for making parsley so popular because he had it gown all over his property.

- Parsley seeds will remain viable for 1 year if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.