Description

Parsley Plain Flat Leaf (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) is a robust culinary herb prized for its bold flavour, high nutritional value, and versatile use in cooking. Unlike curled varieties, its smooth, flat leaves contain stronger aromatic oils, making it a favourite among chefs for salads, sauces, marinades, and garnishes.

It thrives in full sun to partial shade, prefers moderate watering, and grows well in South African gardens year-round, especially in cooler seasons or mild climates like the Western Cape. This biennial grows up to 15 cm tall and performs well in containers, raised beds, or open ground.

In addition to its culinary appeal, flat-leaf parsley is also rich in vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants, and is valued for its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

 

Benefits

Pollinator & Pest 

• Strong aromatic oils act as a natural deterrent to pests like aphids, cabbage moths, and spider mites.
  
• Supports beneficial predatory insects, aiding pest control in mixed garden beds.
  
• When allowed to flower in its second year, it attracts pollinators like bees and hoverflies.

Culinary and Garden Value

• A versatile herb for garnishing, salads, sauces, marinades, and stews.
  
• Adds a lush, green aesthetic to kitchen gardens, pots, or herb spirals.
  
• Can be harvested continuously over the season, promoting new growth.
  

Nutritional and Medicinal 

• Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and folate – supports immunity, bone health, and red blood cell production.
  
• Contains antioxidants like apigenin and luteolin, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
  
• Traditionally used to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and act as a mild diuretic.

 

How To Use

Parsley Plain Flat Leaf flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Spring to Autumn
• Temperature: 15-25°C
• Germinate: 14-28 days
• Depth: 3 mm
• Spacing: 20x20 cm
• Harvest: 80-90 days
• Height: 15 cm
• Flowering Season: Second year if overwintered
• Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours minimum)

Ideal Growing Environment 

• Prefers a well drained substrate with amendments or pre-made soil containing all the necessary base additives. Ideal pH 6.0–7.0.
  
• Keep consistently moist but not soggy; mulch to retain soil moisture.
  
• Light monthly feeding with compost tea or organic fertiliser.
  
• Prefers temperate to mildly warm regions; protect from extreme heat.
  
• Performs best in moderate humidity (50–70%) with good airflow to prevent mildew.
  
• Remove flowering stems in first season to prolong leaf production. Suitable for containers, raised beds, and interplanting with vegetables.
• Benefits from being planted alongside tomatoes, carrots, onions, chives, peppers, and rose.
• Avoid planting with lettuce and mint, which may compete or inhibit growth.

 

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