• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Growing-Parsley.jpg

Growing Parsley

I plant parsley for the caterpillars.  It has grown all winter and is getting very long.  Should I cut it back or leave it and let it grow.   Also how and when should I harvest it if I want to use fresh parsley? How do you dry it for later use? I live in zone 7/8. 

Consider leaving last season’s parsley for the caterpillars and starting fresh plants for your use. Parsley is a biennial. It grows just leaves the first season. These over winter and the plant sets flower and seed the second year. Remove the flower stems as soon as they appear if you plan to harvest leaves from the older plants. Many gardeners (myself included) and cooks find the foliage bitter and less desirable the second season. You may even find the caterpillars prefer your fresh crop of parsley to the older plants. Harvest parsley as needed throughout the season. Remove the outer stems first discarding any of the less flavorful discolored stems. You can air dry parsley flat on trays or hanging in bunches or speed up the process using the oven, dehydrator or microwave. Wash the parsley thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Secure several stems together with a rubber band then hang the bundle upside down in a warm, dark dry place to dry. Or spread individual stems on a tray. Place the tray in a warm well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight. Drying can take a week or more depending on the temperature and humidity. Speed up the process using your microwave. Place 4 or 5 stems of washed parsley between a double-layer of paper towel. Microwave the parsley on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if the parsley is not dry. Fully dried herbs will be brittle and rattle when stirred. Store dried herbs in an airtight container for later use.

Related

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now

April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

Register now

April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now

April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win Melinda's Container Gardening Tips & Techniques DVD set

ENTER NOW