Photo: "Bristol allotment" by Su-May · CC BY 2.0

Herb · Biennial-garnish

Curly Parsley

Open-pollinated · Apiaceae

The traditional garnish parsley. Tightly curled, ruffled leaves create an attractive mounding plant (10-15 inches). Milder, grassier flavor than flat-leaf — some gardeners prefer it in salads and tabbouleh. Same biennial lifecycle and growing requirements as flat-leaf. More compact, making it a slightly better container and border candidate.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

70–80 days

Sun

4+ hours

4-6+ hours

Spacing

8–10 "

Seed Start

8–10 weeks

before transplant

Container

Yes

1+ gallon pot

Height

0.8–1.25 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 14–30 days

Optimal Temp 70°F

Seed Depth 0.25"

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 50°F

Harden Off 7 days

Watering

Weekly Water 1–1.5 "

Needs Consistent-moderate

Method Deep watering.

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Moist, fertile, well-drained

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Moderate-high Drought: Low

Common Problems

septoria-leaf-spot

Cause: Same as flat-leaf.

Prevention: Standard practices.

parsleyworm

Cause: Same as flat-leaf.

Prevention: Handpick and relocate.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Recommended Recipes Compost tea, Worm castings topdress

Harvest

Same cut-from-outside technique as flat-leaf.

Storage 14 days — Stems in water in refrigerator.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Roma vf tomato Traditional companion.

Sources

university Illinois Extension — Parsley seed_catalog Johnny's Selected Seeds

More Herbs

Curly Parsley Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Curly Parsley vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

Ready to grow Curly Parsley?

Get a personalized planting schedule based on your exact zone with frost dates, task reminders, and feeding plans.

Start Your Garden Plan