Italian Giant Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

(Petroselinum crispum 'Italian Giant')

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Italian Giant Parsley is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-16” and features flat, dark, glossy green leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts hoverflies, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and repel insects, and is both edible and medicinal!

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General Information
Soil Preparation & Start Indoors
Transplant Outdoors & Start Outdoors
Crop Care
Harvesting & Storage
Seed Saving
Culinary & Medicinal
Companion Planting
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Other Uses

Family: Apiaceae

Genus: Petroselinum

Species: crispum

Variety: Italian Giant Parsley

Native to: Greece, Morocco, Yugoslavia.

Introduced into: Albania, Argentina Northeast, Argentina South, Arkansas, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil South, Bulgaria, California, Canary Is., Cape Provinces, Cape Verde, Central European Rus, Comoros, Connecticut, Corse, Costa Rica, Crozet Is., Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, East European Russia, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Florida, France, Georgia, Germany, Gilbert Is., Great Britain, Guatemala, Gulf of Guinea Is., Haiti, Hawaii, Hungary, Idaho, Iowa, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kansas, Kazakhstan, Kriti, Krym, Laos, Leeward Is., Libya, Louisiana, Madeira, Marianas, Marshall Is., Maryland, Massachusetts, Mauritius, Mexico Central, Michigan, Mississippi, Mongolia, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Northwest European R, Norway, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rhode I., Rodrigues, Romania, Réunion, Sardegna, Sicilia, Sinai, South Carolina, South European Russi, Spain, St.Helena, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago, Tristan da Cunha, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, Utah, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Washington.

Ease of Growing: Moderate

Grown as: Biennial

Days to Maturity: 85 days

Growing Habit: Bush

Hardiness: Tender. This cool weather biennial is hardy to frost and light freezes.

Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring

Growing Season: Long

Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm. Parsley prefers loose, moderately fertile soil with plenty of added organic matter. Water lightly.

Outdoor Growing Temp: 45°F - 75°F

Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 50°F. Parsley takes a long time to germinate and does best in warm soil between 70˚- 85˚ F (it doesn't germinate well at higher temperatures).

Start Indoors: Yes

Start Outdoors: Yes

Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm). Full sun or partial shade.

Water: Moderate. Parsley likes moist soil. If you think the plants might need water they probably do.

Feeder: Heavy. Parsley prefers a fertile soil with lots of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Suitability: Tolerates light frost, Needs summer shade

Small Gardens?: Yes

Containers?: Yes. Parsley is easy to grow in containers either individually or as a cut and come again crop. Choose a well-draining container that is at least 12" deep. Parsley is not picky about soil and does not need a lot of attention, but be sure to keep the soil from becoming overly wet. It is also important to provide access to a lot of sunshine.

Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes

Forage: Rabbits.

Maintenance: Low

Plant Height: 18-24"

Spacing: 6-10"

Sow Depth: 1/4-3/4"

Hardiness Zone: 2-11

Produces: flat, dark, glossy green leaves.

Soil Preparation

Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.0-6.5. Parsley prefers a rich, well-drained soil.

Soil Preparation:
Standard Mix, 0.25 cups per plant, in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Parsley is a fairly hungry plant and can produce a lot of foliage in the course of its life, so it needs plenty of nutrients. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:

4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)

Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.

Start Indoors

Seed Sowing Depth: 0.25" to 0.75". Sow the seed 1/4" deep in cool soil and up to 3/4" deep in warm soil.

Soil temp for germination: 50°F to 90°F, optimal 60°F to 85°F, optimal 75°F

Total weeks to grow transplant: 11 (Spring/Summer), 11 (Fall/Winter)

Germinate: 4-8 weeks before last frost date. Parsley is very hardy and can be started indoors up to 8 weeks before the last frost date. It is fairly slow growing when young, so is commonly grown from transplants as this gives the fastest harvest and saves on bed space. These don't mind root disturbance, so you can use flats, cell packs, plug trays or soil blocks. Parsley is slow to germinate and grow to transplant size, but otherwise it is pretty easy to grow.

Transplant Outdoors

2-4 weeks after last frost date: Parsley is quite hardy yet it will do best if planted out 2 weeks after the last frost date. They won't grow very much if its too cold. In cool climates you may be better off keeping it inside until the daytime temperatures average 65˚ F - 70˚ F degrees. Plant in full sun or half-day (or filtered) sun if climate is very hot.

Cold, Cool, Warm: Parsley prefers loose, moderately fertile soil with plenty of added organic matter. Water lightly.

When outdoor temp: 45°F to 75°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F

When min soil temp: 50°F. Parsley takes a long time to germinate and does best in warm soil between 70˚- 85˚ F (it doesn't germinate well at higher temperatures).

Spacing: 6-10", 4 plants per sq ft. Parsley can be planted as close as 6" together if you plan to harvest the leaves as a cut-and-come-again plant. If you want to harvest the whole plant, allow for a wider spacing of about 8 to 10" so the leaves have enough room to develop.

Support: No

Start Outdoors

When Cold, Cool, Warm: Parsley prefers loose, moderately fertile soil with plenty of added organic matter. Water lightly.

When outdoor temp: 45°F to 75°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F

When min soil temp: 50°F. Parsley takes a long time to germinate and does best in warm soil between 70˚- 85˚ F (it doesn't germinate well at higher temperatures).

Seed Depth: 0.25"-0.75". Sow the seed 1/4" deep in cool soil and up to 3/4" deep in warm soil.

Spacing: 6-10", 4 plants per sq ft. Parsley can be planted as close as 6" together if you plan to harvest the leaves as a cut-and-come-again plant. If you want to harvest the whole plant, allow for a wider spacing of about 8-10" so the leaves have enough room to develop.

Spring Crop: 2-3 weeks before last frost date: Parsley takes a long time to germinate and does best in warm soil between 70˚-85˚F (at higher temperatures it doesn't germinate well). Sow seed thinly into a well-worked fertile soil. Cover up to 1/4" deep. Parsley is slow to germinate so keep bed evenly moist and be patient. Using row covers to hold moisture and warmth during germination is helpful and helps to keep the birds from enjoying the seedlings. Eventually you will thin plants to 6 to 10" apart. We recommend sowing every 3 to 5" apart to begin, and then thin out the weaker plants as they get bigger so each plant has about 6 to 10" of space.

Support: No

Parsley is a pretty independent plant and doesn't require much attention. Just keep it well watered and weeded.

Water Needs: Moderate. Parsley likes moist soil. If you think the plants might need water they probably do.

Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Parsley prefers a fertile soil with lots of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Side Dressing, after planting: Compost tea, 1 cups, after planting, 1 time a month. Give the plant an occasional feed of compost tea to keep it growing well. Put this in the soil around the plant, taking care not to get it on the leaves.

Support: No

Harvesting

Ripening: You can begin to harvest when it produces leaf stems with three segments. It's best once the plant has at least 8 to 10 leaves.

Storage

Parsley can be dried for later use, though it loses a lot of its flavor. Hang it in bunches or lay it out on a screen to dry. When it is thoroughly dry it can be stored in an air tight container. It is absolutely essential that is thoroughly dry though, otherwise it will mold (if you see any condensation inside the closed jar it is not dry enough).

Storage Req: Dry, Drying
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 1-90 days

Parsley is best used fresh straight from the garden. If you want to pamper your parsley, it can be washed, wrapped in cotton towel and kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.

If you don't want to pamper it, just put it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-7 days

Freezing is the best way to store parsley and retain the full fresh flavor (much better than drying). Blanch quickly, until the color brightens and then remove from the water. Dip in a bath of ice water to cool. Remove stems and chop leaves to a fine texture. Place in a freezer container and cover with water. Ice cube trays work best because they gives you individual servings.

Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 0°F
Storage Length: 1-60 days

Parsley is a biennial and will flower and set seed in the spring of its second year. I just brush the ripe seeds into a paper bag (watch them carefully as they will fall when fully ripe) and dry them in a warm dry place (the greenhouse works well).

Parsley produces an abundance of seed and will self-sow if you let it.

Seed Viability in Years: 2-4 years
Germination Percentage: 70%

Culinary

Taste: Fresh and clean with a slightly peppery flavor.

Culinary Use: The flat types aren't as commonly used an edible garnish as the prettier curly types. It has a superior flavor however and can be added to just about any savory dish. It is an essential ingredient in many European and Western Asian cuisines. Parsley is considered one the essential herbs in the traditional French flavoring blend of "fines herbes." It is best to use fresh parsley, though it can also be dried very easily.

Leaves: raw or cooked. Parsley is frequently used as a garnish or as a flavoring in salads and many cooked dishes, but has too strong a flavor to be eaten in quantity for most palates. It is an ingredient of the herb mix "bouquet garni". The leaves should be harvested regularly in order to encourage fresh growth and get maximum yields. The leaves are difficult to dry but are easily frozen. For drying they require a well-ventilated room that receives long hours of sunlight - the leaves need to be quite crisp if they are to store. Very rich in iron, iodine and magnesium, parsley is also a good source of other minerals and the vitamins A, B and C. The stems can be dried and ground and used as a food coloring. A tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves, it is rich in vitamin C. An essential oil is obtained mainly from the leaves - it is used as a commercial food flavoring. The leaves yields about 1% essential oil, whilst about 6% is obtained from the seed. Some caution is advised on the use of this plant, especially the essential oil.

Known hazards: Parsley is said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine. Excessive contact with the plant can cause skin inflammation. Although perfectly safe to eat and nutritious in amounts that are given in recipes, parsley is toxic in excess, especially when used as an essential oil.

Medicinal

Parsley is a commonly grown culinary and medicinal herb that is often used as a domestic medicine. The fresh leaves are highly nutritious and can be considered a natural vitamin and mineral supplement in their own right. The plants prime use is as a diuretic where it is effective in ridding the body of stones and in treating jaundice, dropsy, cystitis etc. It is also a good detoxifier, helping the body to get rid of toxins via the urine and therefore helping in the treatment of a wide range of diseases such as rheumatism. The seed is a safe herb at normal doses, but in excess it can have toxic effects. Parsley should not be used by pregnant women because it is used to stimulate menstrual flow and can therefore provoke a miscarriage. All parts of the plant can be used medicinally, the root is the part most often used though the seeds have a stronger action. Parsley is anti-dandruff, antispasmodic, aperient, carminative, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactofuge, kidney, stomachic and tonic. An infusion of the roots and seeds is taken after childbirth to promote lactation and help contract the uterus. Parsley is also a mild laxative and is useful for treating anemia and convalescents. Caution is advised on the internal use of this herb, especially in the form of the essential oil. Excessive doses can cause liver and kidney damage, nerve inflammation and gastro-intestinal hemorrhage. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women or people with kidney diseases. A poultice of the leaves has been applied externally to soothe bites and stings, it is also said to be of value in treating tumors of a cancerous nature. It has been used to treat eye infections, whilst a wad of cotton soaked in the juice will relieve toothache or earache. It is also said to prevent hair loss and to make freckles disappear. If the leaves are kept close to the breasts of a nursing mother for a few days, the milk flow will cease.

Source

Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Companion Planting

Allies: Asparagus, carrot, chives, onions, roses and tomato. Sprinkle the leaves on tomatoes, and asparagus. Use as a tea to ward off asparagus beetles. Attracts hoverflies. Let some go to seed to attract the tiny parasitic wasps and hoverflies. Parsley increases the fragrance of roses when planted around their base.

Enemies: Mint and parsley are enemies. Keep them well away from one another.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Septoria leaf spot and stem rot. Carrot weevil, flea beetles, leafhoppers and tarnished plant bugs.

Carrot Weevils

Beneficial insects such as spiders, ground beetles, and predatory nematodes all prey on carrot weevils.

Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.

To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.

Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado potato beetles, and Cutworms.

To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.

Predatory Nematodes: parasitize insect pests that have larval or pupal stages of life in the soil; however, they have been known to parasitize above ground stages of adults, nymphs and larvae.

Predatory Nematodes occur naturally in soils throughout the world and are commercially available.

Flea Beetles

Beneficial insects such as Braconid wasps, Tachinid flies, Lacewings larvae, Damsel bugs, and Big Eyed Bug all prey on Flea Beetles.

Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.

To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, and Lemon Balm.

Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.

To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.

Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.

To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.

Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.

To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.

To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Leafhoppers

Beneficial insects such as Assassin Bugs, Green Lacewings, Lady Bugs, and Minute Pirate Bugs all prey on Leafhoppers.

Assassin Bugs: Preys on Aphids, leafhoppers, asparagus beetle eggs and larvae, small flying insects, and up to medium-sized caterpillars.

To attract Assassin Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Most garden plants, field crops, ornamental trees and shrubs. Spined assassin bugs are often found on goldenrod and other wildflowers.

Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.

To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.

Ladybug: Preys on Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Leafhoppers, Whitefly, Spider mites, Fleas, Mealybug, and Colorado potato beetles.

To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Caraway, Dill, Dandelion, Fennel, Fern-leaf Yellow, Basket of Gold, Common Yarrow, Golden rod.

Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on Spider mites, Cabbage looper, Insect eggs, Caterpillars, Aphids, and Thrips.

To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Tarnished Plant Bug

Beneficial insects such as Big-eyed bugs, Damsel bugs and Pirate bugs all prey on Tarnished plant bugs.

Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.

To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.

To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on Spider mites, Cabbage looper, Insect eggs, Caterpillars, Aphids, and Thrips.

To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Plants that attract Minute Pirate Bugs are: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).

Nutrition

The nutrients found in parsley include vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, choline, folates, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and copper. Parsley is also a very good source of volatile compounds such as myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene. Parsley leaves contain energy, carbohydrates, fat, and protein.

The Health Benefits of Parsley

Rich Source of Antioxidants: Parsley contains several flavonoid antioxidants including luteolin, apigenin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. The British Journal of Nutrition published a study that suggests that parsley helps protect the cells from free radical damage. This damage is responsible for many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, neuro-degenerative diseases, and eye disorders.

Promotes Kidney Cleanse: A research published in 2002 revealed that parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help cleanse the kidneys naturally. For many centuries now, it has been used as a diuretic that helps treat kidney stones, gallbladder stones, bladder infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

A kidney-cleanse can be done, under medical supervision, through the intake of the herb in dishes, parsley tea, parsley juiced with other vegetables, or parsley lemon water. The roots of the herb are also very useful in counteracting kidney stones.

Treats Bloating (Edema): A 2013 study states that parsley has diuretic properties, which help treat bloating, edema, or water retention. If you are afflicted by this condition, a few teaspoons of its juice can provide some quick relief.

Also, the juice is an excellent natural remedy as over-the-counter chemical diuretics can flush out potassium, causing harm to the body. The herb, with its rich potassium content, helps you avoid undesirable side effects of a mineral imbalance.

Weight Loss: Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb, which is low in calories. A research conducted on the effects of parsley on cadmium neurotoxicity suggests that it also helps boost metabolism. A healthy metabolism paves way for a quicker and healthy weight loss. Moreover, parsley also removes excess water from the body and cleanse the kidneys and livers. This, in turn, keeps the body’s functioning at its optimal level and helps in weight loss.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Parsley has traditionally been used in the Mediterranean region for toothaches, bruises, insect bites, and rough skin. According to the American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Urology, parsley has anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxicity properties that help reduce internal inflammation and also help cleanse the liver.

Skin Care: Parsley, abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants, has potent collagen producing and skin lightening properties. The herb helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars. It also has the ability to balance oil production and hence, is an excellent remedy for acne.

For an effective acne mask, mix a few sprigs of the herb, 2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar, and a tablespoon of honey in a blender. This helps to soothe and soften the skin.

Detoxification: Few herbs are as cleansing as parsley, which is packed with vitamins and potent flavonoids. It can detox the body from heavy metals as well as other toxins. Adding its roots to boiling water and drinking it on a daily basis is also known to be an effective general cleanser for the body. Also, parsley cilantro juice is widely used as a detoxification drink.

Controls Diabetes: Parsley contains a flavonoid called myricetin, which can lower blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. A research study conducted showed evidence that diabetic rats that were given parsley actually showed a decrease in their blood sugar levels over a period of a month. Traditionally, it was used as a medicine for diabetes in Turkey.

Boosts Digestion: Including parsley in your diet helps stimulate digestion because of its enzyme and fiber content. Enzymes help in better nutrient absorption and improve the digestion of proteins and fats in the body. The herb also helps cleanse the gastrointestinal tract and maintain overall health.

Controls Rheumatoid Arthritis: Parsley has also been particularly effective against rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C and beta-carotene found in the herb possess anti-inflammatory properties that help in controlling arthritis and reducing arthritic pain. Consuming parsley juice or tea regularly is also believed to speed up the process of uric acid removal, which has been linked to symptoms of arthritis.

Anticancer Properties: Apigenin, a flavone in parsley, prevents the progression of cancer and halts tumor growth. According to research published in Oncotarget, apigenin inhibited an enzyme, which caused the multiplication of cancer cells. The herb was found especially helpful in preventing prostate, colorectal, and colon cancer. Both, fresh and dried parsley, have high levels of apigenin.

Also, parsley oil extract contains a compound called myristicin, which is a phenylpropane. A preliminary investigation into the effects of myristicin on laboratory rats revealed that it has anti-carcinogenic properties as it counteracts free radicals in the body.

Treats Osteoporosis: Parsley, with its high levels of vitamins B-complex, C, and K, and calcium can help boost bone health. It helps prevent osteoporosis and maintain optimal bone health even as we age. The B vitamins also help reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in the body, which can weaken bones.

Relieves Flatulence: Parsley helps to relieve flatulence and colic, due to its carminative action. The root, the herb, as well as the essential oil, can boost bile production and gastric juices. This gives a much-needed boost to the digestion process and cures gas, constipation, bloating, indigestion, and nausea. The essential oil can also be applied to the stomach area for relief from cramps.

Treats Acid Reflux (GERD): Parsley has been used as a natural remedy for acid reflux since it settles the stomach and aids in digestion.

Boosts Immunity: The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in parsley are helpful for strengthening immunity and treating fever. Vitamins such as vitamin C, A, K, folate, and niacin, each act on different aspects of the immune system. Vitamin A acts directly on lymphocytes or white blood cells, thereby increasing their effect. The chlorophyll contained in it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. Studies have also shown that the herb contains antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties, making it an ideal source for various home remedies.

Improves Brain Health: Apigenin, a potent flavone in parsley, improves neuron formation and enhances brain functions such as memory and learning. This plant compound is being researched for its ability to treat neurodegenerative diseases like schizophrenia, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The herbal extract is known to increase cognitive performance as well as improve alertness and memory.

Antibacterial & Antifungal Properties: Parsley has enzymes that are antibacterial and antifungal in nature. It has an inhibitory effect against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause boils, skin infections, cellulitis, and severe conditions like pneumonia and meningitis.

Pain Relief: Parsley has high levels of vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, which heals bruises and reduces pain. For a home-made remedy for bruises, you can crush the fresh leaves, spread it over the afflicted area, and secure the salve with a bandage. Also, lactating women use the herbal leaves as a poultice to reduce breast tenderness.

The herb also helps reduce joint pain, fatigue, and has the ability to soften stiff muscles, because of the presence of a potent antioxidant, quercetin. It is especially good for people suffering from arthritis and joint problems. You can also use parsley juice to cure toothaches and earaches.

Cures Anemia: The high concentration of iron in parsley helps treat anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency. Vitamin C in the herb aids in better absorption of iron. People who have a hard time taking iron supplements are often told to have its juice or tea.

Treats Bad Breath: Chewing a few sprigs of parsley helps fight bad breath or halitosis. The herb’s fresh flavor and high chlorophyll content help freshen the breath temporarily. This is probably why it has been used, since ancient times, as a natural mouth freshener.

Heart Health: Parsley is abundant in flavone antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress, thus boosting cardiovascular health. This herb also contains high levels of vitamin B and folic acid that prevents the thickening of artery walls. Also, potassium in the herb lowers blood pressure, which helps prevent heart diseases and strokes.

Balances Hormones: Parsley helps improve the hormonal balance in women, enhances their libido, and boosts the secretion of the estrogen hormone. Intake of the herb helps treat hormonal disorders like premenstrual syndrome, menopause, or delayed menstruation cycle. Furthermore, parsley tea helps reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort.

Eye Health: Parsley is abundant in vitamin A, and antioxidants like carotenoid as well as beta-carotene, that helps boost eye health. It helps protect the retina from damage and prevents macular degeneration as well as cataracts. The nutrients in the herb also help reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.

Hair Care: The paste made from powdered seeds of parsley has long been used as a natural remedy for hair lice, dandruff, and scalp irritation. It also helps strengthen weak hair, promote healthy hair growth, and stops hair fall. The nutrients in this powerful herb can help increase keratin and collagen production, which protects the hair from free radical damage. Also, a parsley rinse can help retain hair color since it has high levels of copper.

A good companion plant, repelling insects from nearby plants. The juice is an effective mosquito repellent when it is rubbed into the skin and is also used to relieve the pain of stings and bites. An essential oil obtained from the plant is used in perfumeries for men. An infusion of the leaves is an excellent rinse for dark hair and also helps in the treatment of dandruff.

Suggested Varieties

(Amaranthus caudatus 'Love, Lies, Bleeding')

Love, Lies, Bleeding Amaranth is a heirloom annual leaf vegetable that is native to South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and features erect, deep red stems, 6” oval, light green leaves and 12” bright red, drooping tassels. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is used to make dye, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!

(Petroselinum crispum 'Italian Giant')

Soil Preparation

Start Indoors

Transplant Outdoors

Start Outdoors

Harvesting

Storage

Culinary

Medicinal

Companion Planting

Problems

Carrot Weevils

Flea Beetles

Leafhoppers

Tarnished Plant Bug

Nutrition

The Health Benefits of Parsley

Suggested Varieties

(Amaranthus caudatus 'Love, Lies, Bleeding')

(Amaranthus tricolor 'Perfecta')

(Amaranthus cruentus 'Red Garnet')

(Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington'​)

(Melissa officinalis ‘Lemon Balm’)

(Carum carvi ‘Caraway')

(Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Cored')

(Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple')

(Daucus carota 'Danvers')

(Daucus carota 'Rainbow Blend')

(Daucus carota 'Scarlet Nantes')

(Daucus carota 'Tendersweet')

(Allium tuberosum ‘Garlic')

(Allium schoenoprasum ‘Onion')

(Trifolium incarnatum ‘Crimson’)

(Dalea purpurea ‘Purple Prairie’)

(Coriandrum sativum ‘Leisure')

(Anethum graveolens ‘Dukat')

(Foeniculum vulgare ‘Florence')

(Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen White Bunching')

(Allium cepa 'Ruby Red')

(Allium cepa 'Sweet Spanish White')

(Allium cepa 'Sweet Spanish Yellow')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Amana Orange')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Arkansas Traveler')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Beefsteak')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Green Zebra')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Hillbilly')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Italian Roma')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Purple Cherokee')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Sweetie Cherry')

(Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear')

(Achillea millefolium 'Rubra')

(Achillea millefolium 'White')

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(Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington')