Parsley

Basic Information

Seed Number

43

Seed Name

Parsley

Variety

Big Italy

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Apiaceae

Plant Type

Italian flat-leaf parsley

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 10

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jul 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June, July

Indoor Start

Mar 10 – Apr 1

Direct Sow

May 6 – Jul 15

Transplant

May 6 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

8 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

14–30 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

21 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-70°F

Planting Depth

1/4-1/2 in

Plant Spacing

8-12 in

Row Spacing

12-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

8-12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep soil consistently moist; water during dry periods

Soil Preference

Moist, fertile, well-drained soil

Minimum Container Size

1-2 gal; at least 8-10 in deep

Plant Height

Not recorded

Perennial/Biennial Status

Biennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or direct sow
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 15 – Jul 1
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 70–90 days
Pollinator Friendly: Yes; host plant for swallowtail butterflies
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary/herbal
Succession / Reusable Notes: Slow to germinate; soak seeds overnight if desired.
Zone 6B Notes: Good edge herb and container plant.
Companion Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, asparagus, chives, calendula, roses
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Lettuce crowded by mature parsley
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: The name 'Big Italy' is treated as the commonly sold Giant of Italy-type flat-leaf parsley. Parsley tolerates cool weather and can continue producing into fall. Mulched plants may overwinter and flower the following year.
Germination: Parsley is naturally slow to germinate and commonly requires 14-30 days. Maintain consistent moisture while waiting for emergence.
Harvest: Harvest outer stems at the base while allowing the center of the plant to continue growing.
Seed Saving: Parsley is biennial. Allow overwintered plants to flower and produce dry seed in their second year. Parsley can cross with other Petroselinum crispum varieties.
Special Care: Crop rotation and good sanitation help reduce parsley diseases.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/herbs/parsley/leaf-parsley/giant-of-italy-organic-parsley-seed-2390G.html — Giant of Italy germination, sowing depth, spacing, sun, soil, water and biennial habit
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]