Petroselinum crispum 'Curly'
Curly Parsley
Central/E Mediterranean—S Europe / W Asia (P. crispum; curly form from selection; milder than flat-leaf; slow germination; biennial; cold-tolerant)Overview
Petroselinum crispum 'Curly' is a biennial herb typically grown as an annual, reaching 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) tall with a spread of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) and a compact, mounding, rosette habit. Native to the Mediterranean, it produces tightly curled, bright green, finely divided leaves on upright stems from a central crown. The curled leaf form is the result of centuries of selection from the flat-leaf species. Mild, clean, slightly grassy parsley flavor—less pungent than flat-leaf Italian parsley (P. crispum var. neapolitanum). Days to first harvest 70-90 from seed (slow, erratic germination 14-28 days—soaking seed overnight speeds germination). Growth rate is slow initially, then moderate. Cold-tolerant—survives light frost. Bolts to seed in second year or in sustained heat.
Native Range
Petroselinum crispum is native to the central and eastern Mediterranean region—southern Europe and western Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in herb gardens, containers, or borders for culinary use—garnish, tabbouleh, chimichurri, soups, sauces, fresh eating. Tightly curled bright green leaves. Milder than flat-leaf. Compact rosette—edging and containers. 70-90 days. Slow germination (soak seed, patience). Cold-tolerant. Biennial—bolts second year. Not suitable for drying (flavor diminishes)—use fresh or frozen.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10" - 1'3"
Width/Spread10" - 1'
Bloom Information
Small yellow-green umbel flowers on stalks 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) in the second year or when heat-stressed. Flavor declines after bolting. Remove flower stalks to extend leaf harvest in first year.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow-green; small umbels; second year or boltingFoliage Description
Bright green; tightly curled finely divided; compact rosetteGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost (soak seed overnight—slow germination 14-28 days). Or direct sow in spring. Rich, moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Consistent moisture. Part shade in hot climates to delay bolting. Days to first harvest 70-90 from seed. Cut outer stems at base—inner growth continues. Cold-tolerant—survives light frost. Biennial—bolts second year.Pruning
Harvest outer stems at base, leaving inner growth. Cut no more than one-third at a time. Remove flower stalks if they appear in the first year.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons