Parsley is prized for its fresh, slightly peppery flavor and dark green leaves. Gardeners aiming for continuous harvests often use intensive planting methods, such as square foot gardening, to maximize yield in limited space. These techniques involve planting herbs much closer together than traditional row gardening, requiring knowledge of optimal plant density.
Recommended Density for Parsley Varieties
The ideal planting density for parsley is determined by the variety: Flat-Leaf (Italian) or Curled. Flat-leaf parsley is favored for its stronger flavor and ease of chopping, growing taller and more outwardly. Curled parsley has a more compact, bushy growth habit with tightly ruffled leaves.
For a square foot of garden space, the recommended density falls between four and nine plants. Flat-leaf parsley performs best with four to six plants per square foot due to its expansive growth habit. Curled parsley can be planted more tightly, accommodating six to nine plants per square foot, as its dense, upright structure tolerates close spacing.
This density supports a “cut-and-come-again” harvesting approach, ensuring a steady supply of fresh parsley from a small area. High density also acts as a living mulch, helping to shade the soil and keep the roots cool and moist.
Techniques for Successful High-Density Planting
High-density planting requires careful preparation because parsley seeds are slow and erratic to germinate, often taking two to five weeks to sprout. To overcome this, presoak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. This softens the seed coat and speeds up the germination process.
When direct-seeding, scatter the presoaked seeds evenly and cover them with one-eighth to one-quarter inch of fine soil. Once seedlings develop true leaves, aggressive thinning is necessary to achieve the target density. Use small scissors or tweezers to snip unwanted seedlings at the soil line, avoiding root disturbance to remaining plants.
Using transplants offers more precise placement and faster establishment. Since parsley is sensitive to root disturbance, start seedlings in individual cells and transplant them carefully while they are small. This method allows the gardener to place the exact number of plants needed, reducing the need for aggressive thinning.
Essential Care for Maximizing Yield
Dense planting increases competition for water and nutrients, requiring specialized care to maximize yield. Parsley prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil and has a deep taproot. Close spacing requires deep watering at least once a week to ensure the entire root zone receives adequate moisture.
The high number of plants quickly depletes the soil’s nutrient supply, making regular feeding mandatory. Parsley is a heavy feeder that responds well to a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 NPK ratio. Apply liquid feed every two to four weeks throughout the growing season to provide the nitrogen needed for continuous leaf growth.
The “cut-and-come-again” method is the most effective harvesting technique for maintaining productivity. This involves snipping the outer, mature leaf stalks close to the base of the plant. This stimulates new growth from the center, ensuring continuous production and maintaining the plant’s vigor.