Parsley: Differences Between Varieties, How To Grow & Use

Parsley is one of the most popular and useful herbs grown in home gardens around the world. It’s easy to grow, tastes great, and is packed with nutrients. In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of parsley, how to grow them in Australian climates, what parts of the plant are used, and why this Meditteranean herb is a great plant to have in your garden.

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What is Parsley?

• Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
• Family: Apiaceae (carrot family)
• Origin: Mediterranean region

This leafy herb that has been used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years. Although not native to Australia, it grows well here in most regions. It is a biennial plant, meaning it produces leaves in the first year and flowers in the second. Most gardeners harvest it in the first year before flowering begins.

Types of Parsley

1. Curly Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

• Other names: Common parsley, garden parsley
• Appearance: Bright green, tightly curled leaves
• Flavour: Mild and slightly sweet
• Growing regions: Temperate, cool, and subtropical areas of Australia
• Sowing time: Early spring or autumn
• Position: Full sun to part shade

Edible parts: Leaves and stems
Uses: Garnishes, salads, soups, omelettes
Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K

2. Flat Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum)

• Other names: Italian parsley, plain-leaf parsley
• Appearance: Flat, dark green leaves
• Flavour: Stronger and more aromatic than the curly variety
• Growing regions: Temperate, subtropical, and cool zones
• Sowing time: Spring or autumn
• Position: Full sun, rich soil

Edible parts: Leaves and stems
Uses: Mediterranean dishes, soups, pasta, sauces
Benefits: Antioxidant-rich, supports heart and kidney health

3. Hamburg Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. tuberosum)

• Other names: Root parsley, German parsley
• Appearance: Carrot-like root with broader leaves
• Flavour: Mild and slightly nutty (root); leaves are more bitter
• Growing regions: Cool and temperate areas
• Sowing time: Early spring
• Position: Deep, loose soil; full sun

Edible parts: Root (main), leaves (sparingly)
Uses: Stews, soups, roasted vegetables
Benefits: High in fibre and vitamin C

How to Grow Parsley in Australia

• Climate:
  • Cool & Temperate: Plant spring and autumn
  • Subtropical: Best in cooler months (autumn to early spring)
  • Tropical: Sow during dry or cooler season
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with pH 6.0–7.0
• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
• Watering: Keep moist, especially in dry conditions
• Harvesting: Start picking 8–10 weeks after sowing; cut outer leaves first

Benefits of Growing in the Garden

• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects like bees and ladybirds
• Repels pests such as aphids and carrot flies
• Grows well in pots, balconies, and small garden beds
• Improves soil health when planted alongside other crops
• Provides fresh, flavourful greens for cooking all year round

🪲 Pests & Disease Control

Generally hardy, this plant can occasionally have pest and disease issues. Keeping your plants healthy and your garden tidy can help reduce problems.

Common Pests:

• Aphids: Small, sap-sucking insects that cluster on stems and undersides of leaves. Spray with a mix of water and a drop of dish soap, or use neem oil.
• Caterpillars: Especially the parsley worm (swallowtail caterpillar). Handpick or leave a few if you want to support butterflies.
• Whiteflies: Tiny flying insects that weaken plants. Use sticky traps and introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds.
• Leaf miners: Larvae that tunnel inside leaves. Remove and destroy affected leaves early.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew: Appears as white powdery patches on leaves. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and use a diluted milk spray if needed.
• Root Rot: Caused by waterlogged soil. Make sure the plant is grown in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
• Fungal Leaf Spot: Brown or black spots on leaves. Remove infected leaves and avoid wetting foliage when watering.

🌼 Companion Plants

This herb is a great addition to your garden as it not only grows well with other herbs and vegetables but also improves the health and productivity of neighbouring plants.

Best Companion Plants:

• Tomatoes: Attracts beneficial insects that protect tomato plants.
• Carrots: Helps deter carrot flies when planted nearby.
• Onions & Chives: Repel aphids and enhance flavour when grown close together.
• Sweet Corn: Attracts predatory wasps that help protect corn from pests.
• Roses: Planted near roses, it can improve their scent and health.

Avoid Planting Near:

• Lettuce: May compete for nutrients, and some varieties can inhibit the herb’s growth.
• Mint: Aggressive growth may crowd it out; keep mint in a separate pot or space.

Mixing parsley with the right companion plants can improve garden health, boost pollination, reduce pests, and make better use of your garden space!

Recipes

🌿 Pesto

Best type to use: Flat Leaf (Italian) Parsley

• 1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley leaves (packed)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts)
• 1–2 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine parsley, cheese, nuts, and garlic in a food processor.
2. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
3. Slowly add olive oil and blend until smooth.
4. Season to taste and store in a sealed jar in the fridge.

Uses: Toss with pasta, spread on toast, or stir into soups.

🥗 Lebanese Salad – Taboulleh

Best type: Flat Leaf (Italian) Parsley

• 2 bunches flat leaf parsley (finely chopped)
• 2 ripe tomatoes (diced)
• 1/4 cup fine bulgur wheat
• 1 small red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint (chopped)
• Juice of 1–2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak bulgur in hot water for 10–15 minutes, then drain.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Toss with lemon juice and olive oil.
4. Serve fresh as a side dish or with pita bread.

Uses: A refreshing, healthy salad perfect with grilled meats or falafel.

🍵 Parsley Herbal Tea

Best type: Flat Leaf (Italian) or Curly Parsley (fresh or dried)

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 cup boiling water
• Optional: a slice of lemon, a few mint leaves, or a drizzle of honey

Instructions:

1. Rinse the leaves thoroughly.
2. Chop the leaves lightly to help release their oils.
3. Place parsley in a cup and pour over boiling water.
4. Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes.
5. Strain and serve hot. Add lemon, mint, or honey if desired.

Benefits: This tea is traditionally used to support kidney health, aid digestion, reduce bloating, and as a mild diuretic. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids.

Conclusion

Parsley is a versatile and easy-to-grow herb that belongs in every home garden. With its different types—curly, flat, and root—it offers plenty of options for cooking, nutrition, and garden health. Whether you’re topping a dish, flavouring a stew, or creating a fresh salad like taboulleh, parsley brings vibrant flavour and goodness straight from the garden.

Start Growing Parsley Today!

Buy Triple Curled Parsley Seeds or Italian Flat Parsley Seeds or Hamburg Rooted Parsley Seeds now and enjoy homegrown mediterranean herbs all year round! Parsley is fast and easy to grow from seed and can be grown in small pots in your kitchen or in your herb garden.