How to Harvest Parsley Without Killing the Plant

Herbs

May 19

Parsley is a popular herb that is used in many dishes. It is also easy to grow and can be harvested multiple times throughout the year. However, if you are not careful, you can easily kill the plant when harvesting it. In this blog post, we will teach you how to harvest parsley without harming the plant!

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What is Parsley?

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a member of the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, celery, and dill. It is a biennial herb, which means that it takes two years to complete its life cycle. Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used as an herb for centuries.

Parsley is a popular fresh herb that is used in many cuisines around the world including soups, stews, salads, and sauces. It has a mild, slightly peppery flavor and can be used fresh or dried.

The parsley plant is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. There are different types of parsley that you can grow in your raised garden bed.

Parsley is an easy-to-grow herb that can be harvested multiple times throughout the year. However, if you are not careful when harvesting it, you can easily damage or kill the plant.

Types of Parsley

There are two main types of parsley; curly parsley and flat-leaf parsley.

Curly Parsley

Curly parsley, or French parsley, is a variety of parsley that is commonly used as a garnish. It has curly, dark green leaves and a slightly bitter taste.

The leaves of curly parsley are used fresh or dried. While curly parsley is often used as a garnish, it can also be used in salads or as a flavorful addition to soups and stews.

Flat-leaf Parsley

Flat-leaf parsley, also known as Italian parsley, is a variety of parsley that is prized for its strong flavor and versatility in cooking. Unlike other types of parsley, flat-leaf parsley has leaves that are flat and serrated, rather than curly. The leaves are also a deep green color with a slightly glossy texture.

Flat-leaf parsley is native to the Mediterranean region, and it has been used in both Italian and French cuisine for centuries. Today, it is widely available in grocery stores and farmer's markets. Flat-leaf parsley can be used both raw and cooked.

Flat-leaf parsley and curly leaf parsley may appear quite different, but the same harvesting tips apply to each.

RELATED: Cultivate Success: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Parsley Indoors

When to Harvest Parsley

Harvesting parsley is a simple process that can be done at any time of the year. The plant can be harvested when it is young, or allowed to mature for a longer period of time. Depending on the variety, this can take anywhere from 70 to 90 days.

If you are harvesting parsley for the first time, it is best to wait until the plant is at least six inches tall. This will ensure that there is enough foliage to provide a good yield.

How to Harvest Parsley Without Killing the Plant

Parsley is a biennial herb that is typically grown as an annual. This means that it will only live for one growing season, so it is important to harvest parsley before the plant dies. Fortunately, harvesting parsley is quite easy and can be done without killing the plant.

The best time to harvest parsley is in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the heat of the day sets in. The leaves will be fresh and full of flavor.

To harvest parsley, cut the stems about an inch from the soil using a sharp knife or gardening shears. Make sure not to pull the plant. Also, be sure to leave enough stem so that the plant can continue to grow. A good rule of thumb is to not pick more than 1/3 of the parsley plant. This will ensure that the plant has enough foliage to continue growing. In fact, harvesting parsley regularly will promote new growth and keep the parsley plant healthy.

Parsley can be harvested multiple times throughout the year as you need it. If you do harvest a large amount of parsley it is best to let the plant rest for a week before harvesting again.

After cutting fresh parsley from the plant, you can then remove the leaves from the stems and use them as needed. If there are any dead or yellowed leaves simply remove the leaves.

With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy fresh parsley all season long! See picking parsley is actually quite simple and can be done without damaging the plant.

How to Harvest Parsley Seeds

If growing parsley as a true biennial herb, parsley will flower and set seed in its second year of growth. The flowers are small, white, and clustered together in umbels. When the flowers begin to fade and turn brown, they will eventually turn into seed pods.

Harvesting the seeds is quite simple and can be done by hand or with a pair of scissors. To harvest the seeds, wait until the seed pods have turned brown and dry. Once they are dry, cut them from the parsley bloom and place them in a paper bag. Label the bag with the date and type of seed, then store it in a cool, dry place.

The seeds can be planted the following spring or used to make parsley essential oil.

Storing Parsley

Parsley can be stored in a number of different ways.

Refrigerating Fresh Parsley

If you plan on using parsley within a day or two, it can be stored in a glass jar or container with the stems placed in an inch of water at the bottom. Place the container in the refrigerator and change the water every day. The parsley will last for 7-10 days if stored this way.

Parsley is best when it is used fresh, so consider that when you are deciding when and how much to harvest from the plant. When you need a parsley leaf or two, simply take it off the parsley stalks and enjoy it.

Freezing Parsley

Parsley can also be frozen for longer storage.

To freeze, wash and dry the parsley. You freeze it in small pieces or place sprigs in whole. Place the parsley in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. Parsley can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

An alternative way to freeze parsley is by chopping the parsley into small pieces and putting it in an ice cube tray with a little olive oil. This is a fantastic approach to use if you'll be utilizing parsley in your recipes.

Drying Parsley

Drying is another option for storing parsley.

Drying parsley is a great way to preserve it so that you can enjoy its flavor all year long. The best method for drying parsley is to hang it upside down in bunches in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area. When hanging drying herbs, make sure to leave enough space between each bunch so that air can circulate freely. After about two weeks, the parsley should be completely dried and ready to be stored in an airtight container.

When properly stored, dried parsley will retain its flavor for six months to a year. Drying parsley is a simple and effective way to keep this versatile herb on hand for all your cooking needs.

RELATED: How to Harvest Cilantro Without Killing the Plant

FAQS About Harvesting Parsley

Will parsley grow back after cutting?

Yes, parsley will grow back after being cut. In fact, if you harvest parsley leaves regularly you will promote new growth and keep the parsley plant healthy.

How often should you harvest parsley?

Parsley can be harvested multiple times throughout the year as you need it. It can be referred to as a cut-and-come-again herb.

How many times can you harvest parsley?

You can harvest parsley as many times as you need. If you do harvest a large amount of parsley it is best to let the plant rest for a week before harvesting again.

Does parsley come back every year?

Most people treat parsley as an annual herb, which means it will only last for one growing season. However, if you live in a climate that doesn't experience frost, parsley is actually a biennial plant and will come back the following year. Although the first year you get the parsley leaves and the second year you get the parsley flowers and seeds, both are edible.

How do you pick parsley so that it keeps growing?

Picking parsley is easy and it doesn't require any special tools. You can use your hands or a pair of scissors to cut the stems about an inch above the soil. When cutting, make sure not to damage the plant so that it can continue to grow. Try to harvest from different areas of the plant so that you don't deplete all the leaves from one area. Regular harvesting will encourage new growth, so don't be afraid to cut often.

What is some way to use parsley?

Parsley is a multipurpose herb that may be utilized in a variety of meals. It can be used as a garnish, added to salads, cooked into soups or stews, blended into pesto, or used to make parsley essential oil. It is a very popular herb and adds a nice flavor to many dishes.

Summing up How to Harvest Parsley

Now that you know how to harvest parsley without killing the plant, it’s time to get out there and start growing your own! This herb is a great addition to any dish so it’s definitely worth growing and it can be harvested multiple times throughout the year. With a little bit of care, you can have fresh parsley all year long.