How to Grow Parsley in New Zealand
Near year-round in Auckland and the warm north, slowing only in the coldest weeks. Slow to germinate so be patient and keep the seedbed moist. It is biennial and runs to seed in its second year, so resow each spring for a steady supply.
When to plant parsley in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best parsley varieties for NZ
- Italian Plain Leaf — Flat-leaf type with a robust flavour, the standard for cooking. Also sold as an organic line. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Laura — Improved Italian plain-leaf selection, bright green with a vigorous bushy habit that suits pots. (Kings Seeds)
- Moss Curled — Tightly curled, ruffled leaves with a milder flavour, good for garnishing and edging. (Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow parsley
- Space plants about 20cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 80 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 21 days.
Companion planting
Grow parsley near: Tomato, Carrot.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Slugs and snails, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant parsley in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy parsley seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ.