The Best 20 Varieties of Parsley to Grow: Tips, Facts, and Information
Parsley is one of the most widely grown and versatile herbs in the garden, valued for its fresh flavour, nutritional benefits, and ability to thrive in UK conditions. Often treated as a simple garnish, parsley is far more than decorative — it is a productive, hardy herb that can be harvested for many months and used in countless dishes.
Parsley grows well in pots, raised beds, borders, and allotments, making it suitable for gardens of all sizes. With the right variety choice, you can enjoy tender leaves for salads, robust foliage for cooking, or strong-flavoured types ideal for sauces and preservation.
This guide explores the best 20 varieties of parsley to grow, along with essential tips, key facts, and growing information to help you choose the right type for your garden.
⭐ Recommended Products for Growing Parsley Successfully
Parsley may be easy to grow, but the right tools and growing equipment significantly improve germination, leaf quality, and harvest longevity.
• Herb Planters, Pots, or Window Boxes
Parsley thrives in containers, making it easy to protect from pests and harvest regularly. Deep pots encourage strong root systems and healthier plants.
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• Fine Seed Compost / Multi-Purpose Compost
Parsley seeds need consistent moisture and fine-textured compost to germinate successfully. A good-quality compost improves establishment and leaf growth.
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• Hand Snips or Herb Scissors
Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth. Sharp snips allow clean cuts without damaging the plant, extending the harvest season.
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What Is Parsley?
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a hardy biennial herb usually grown as an annual. It produces fresh green leaves with a clean, slightly peppery flavour and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Parsley comes in several forms, most commonly curly-leaf and flat-leaf (Italian), each suited to different culinary uses.
- Flavour: Fresh, mildly peppery, herbaceous
- Harvest period: Spring through winter (with protection)
- Growth habit: Compact to bushy
- Uses: Garnish, sauces, soups, salads, stocks
Parsley is also a beneficial companion plant, attracting pollinators if allowed to flower in its second year.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Parsley
- Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Sowing time: March to July
- Spacing: 20–30cm between plants
- Harvesting: Pick outer leaves regularly
Parsley seeds are slow to germinate, often taking two to four weeks, so patience is essential.
The Best 20 Varieties of Parsley to Grow
1. Moss Curled
A classic curly-leaf variety.
- Dense, frilled leaves
- Mild flavour
- Excellent garnish
Ideal for pots and borders.
2. Triple Curled
A compact, decorative parsley.
- Tight curls
- Strong structure
- Slow to bolt
Perfect for container growing.
3. Champion Moss Curled
An improved curly variety.
- Vigorous growth
- Uniform leaf shape
- Good cold tolerance
Reliable throughout the season.
4. Dark Green Italian
A popular flat-leaf type.
- Strong flavour
- Large leaves
- Excellent for cooking
Favoured by chefs.
5. Plain Leaf Italian
Traditional flat-leaf parsley.
- Robust growth
- Deep green foliage
- Excellent aroma
Ideal for sauces and stocks.
6. Gigante d’Italia
A large-leaf Italian variety.
- Broad leaves
- High yields
- Fast regrowth
Excellent for frequent harvesting.
7. Hamburg Root Parsley
Grown for both leaves and root.
- Parsley-flavoured root
- Hardy and productive
- Traditional European variety
Dual-purpose crop.
8. Festival 68
A bolt-resistant variety.
- Long harvest window
- Upright growth
- Consistent leaf quality
Good for summer sowings.
9. Parsley Afro
Decorative curly variety.
- Fine-textured leaves
- Strong regrowth
- Compact habit
Ideal for ornamental herb beds.
10. Laura
A refined flat-leaf type.
- Smooth leaves
- Balanced flavour
- Uniform growth
Good for containers and beds.
11. Nana Curled
A dwarf curly parsley.
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
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Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
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Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
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Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
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Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
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Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
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Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
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Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
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- Compact size
- Suitable for small pots
- Neat appearance
Perfect for windowsills.
12. Neapolitanum
Traditional Italian variety.
- Broad, flat leaves
- Strong aroma
- Excellent flavour
Popular for Mediterranean cooking.
13. Forest Green
Cold-tolerant variety.
- Deep green leaves
- Good winter performance
- Slow to bolt
Excellent for extended harvesting.
14. Extra Curled Dwarf
Very compact curly parsley.
- Dense leaf structure
- Space-saving
- Decorative
Ideal for tight spaces.
15. Verdún
French flat-leaf variety.
- Intense flavour
- Slender stems
- Professional-quality foliage
Excellent for culinary use.
16. Plain Leaf Dark Green
A reliable flat-leaf type.
- Consistent growth
- Good leaf size
- Easy to grow
Ideal for beginners.
17. Paramount
Productive and robust variety.
- Upright growth
- Long harvest period
- Tolerates heat
Suitable for summer sowing.
18. Rooted Hamburg Improved
An improved root parsley.
- Larger roots
- Better uniformity
- Dual-purpose harvest
Best grown in deep soil.
19. Emerald Green
Attractive foliage variety.
- Bright green leaves
- Strong regrowth
- Good disease resistance
Ideal for ornamental and edible gardens.
20. Green Pearl
Modern compact variety.
- Fine, curly leaves
- Long-lasting harvest
- Excellent container performance
Great for patios and balconies.
Common Problems When Growing Parsley
- Slow germination: Soak seeds before sowing
- Yellowing leaves: Often due to poor drainage
- Bolting: Caused by heat stress or dry soil
- Pests: Slugs and aphids on young plants
Consistent watering and harvesting prevent most issues.
Harvesting and Storage Tips
- Harvest outer leaves first
- Cut regularly to encourage regrowth
- Freeze chopped parsley for long-term storage
- Parsley can overwinter outdoors in mild winters
Fresh leaves have the strongest flavour.
Nutritional Benefits of Parsley
- High in vitamin C
- Rich in vitamin K
- Contains iron and antioxidants
- Supports immune health
Parsley is one of the most nutrient-dense herbs available.
Final Thoughts
Parsley is a dependable, productive herb that deserves a permanent place in every garden. With so many varieties available, you can tailor your choice to flavour, appearance, space, and culinary use. Whether you prefer curly varieties for garnishing or flat-leaf types for cooking, parsley offers versatility, resilience, and long harvesting seasons.
By choosing the right varieties and providing consistent care, parsley will reward you with fresh leaves for months on end.