Italian Parsley - Flat Giant Leaf [Petroselinum crispum]

The biennial flat-leaf parsley is an original Italian spice and medicinal plant that is much finer and milder in taste than the curly varieties. Its valuable ingredients help with detoxification and support digestion. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvest the leaves.

 Description 
Flat-leaf parsley is an old, biennial, original Italian spice and medicinal plant and originally comes from the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. The medicinal plant was valued as a culinary herb by the ancient Greeks and Romans and used as a symbol of joy and celebration. In monastery gardens in the Middle Ages it was used as a medicinal plant; its valuable ingredients help with detoxification and support digestion. The plant forms many smooth and highly aromatic leaves and is significantly finer and milder in taste than the curly varieties. The species is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants.

 General information 
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 90 days
Plant height approx.: 70 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -5°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 7

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 15-25 days
Plant and row spacing: 15x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Kale, Cucumber, Garlic, Leek, Radish, Horseradish, Marigold, Tomato, Onion
Unfavorable mixed culture: Dill, Carrot, Lettuce, Parsnip, Parsley root, Celery

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to September is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Seeds need at least +7°C to germinate. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Italian parsley prefers a permeable, nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
It tolerates light frosts down to around –5 °C, especially when sheltered. In the case of stronger ground frost or prolonged freezing, the above-ground foliage usually dies off, but the root may survive and sprout again in spring. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil is sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Petroselinum crispum
English names: Italian Parsley, Plain Parsley
German names: Glatte Petersilie, Italienische Petersilie
Portuguese names: Salsa de folha lisa
Spanish names: Perejil de hoja plana, Perejil Napolitano
French names: Persil plat

 Origin 
Country: Portugal