Parsley grows best in all day sun in cooler areas of the country, but appreciates some afternoon shade in warmer climates. The ideal soil is moderately rich, moist, and well-drained, although parsley plants tolerate poorer soils having less organic matter as long as drainage is adequate. Soil should be loose to accommodate parsley's taproot and mildly acidic (pH 6.0 to 7.0).
To direct sow seeds in rows, trace a shallow indentation in the soil with a stick or pencil to guide planting. Then sow the seeds by dribbling them through your thumb and forefinger into the indented rows. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ an inch deep. After 3 or 4 weeks, when sprouts are a few inches tall and show their first true leaves, thin them to allow 8 to 10 inches of space between the remaining ones so they can grow freely. Depending on the variety, parsley plants will grow to maturity and set seed in about 70 to 90 days.
Plant home grown or commercially raised seedlings on an overcast day or late in the day to minimize transplant stress. Dig holes in the planting bed about 10 to 12 inches apart and about the size of the containers the seedlings are growing in. Gently pop each seedling from its container by and set each one in each hole. Firm the soil over the rootball and water immediately. If you have added granular slow-acting fertilizer to the soil, do not feed the plants further. Shield newly planted seedlings from bright sun the first day or so while they adjust to the shock of transplanting.
Planting Parsley in Containers
Parsley grows happily in a container alone, with other herbs or with flowers, as long as it gets enough sun. Use one that is 12 inches or deeper. Be sure it has drainage holes. Fill it with moistened soilless potting mix to within 2 inches of its top. Mix in some granular slow-acting fertilizer or plan to water plants once a month with a dilute general purpose liquid fertilizer. Water often to prevent container plants from drying out during hot summer days.
Caring for Parsley
Young parsley plants need regular watering-until they become established. Then those that are in soil rich in organic matter and are mulched will need watering only every week or two. Those in poor, unmulched soil or in containers need frequent watering--possibly daily if it is sunny.
Spread 2 to 3 inches of some organic material such as chopped leaves, hay, or straw on the soil around parsley plants when they are about 6 inches tall. This mulch helps the soil retain moisture and discourages weeds.