Italian Parsley Plant - USDA Organic

1. Planting: Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Space the plants about 12 inches apart to allow room for growth. You can sow seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors for earlier harvesting. If planting in pots, select a container with drainage holes and use high-quality potting mix.

2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry spells. While this plant prefers slightly damp conditions, avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and encourage healthy growth.

3. Pruning: Regularly harvest the leaves to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from flowering too early. Trim back any yellowing leaves to maintain the plant's health and vitality. When you prune, make sure to leave at least a few leaves intact to continue photosynthesis.

4. Fertilizing: If planted in the ground or a raised bed, fertilize with a 5-10-5 once in spring and again in summer. In a pot, fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a liquid fertilizer at half strength.

5. Harvesting: Harvest the larger, outer leaves first. To prevent bolting (early flowering which will stop the plant’s leafy growth), harvest often, keep the plant well watered, and provide shade during the hottest periods, especially in warm summer climates. Eventually the plant will finish its life cycle and go to seed. When this happens, leaves can be harvested and dried or frozen and seeds can be saved for germination.