How to grow Parsley in New Zealand
Parsley is one of the most useful herbs and one of the easiest to grow almost year round in much of New Zealand. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has the stronger flavour cooks prefer, while curly parsley makes a neat edging and garnish. It is a biennial that runs to seed in its second year, so sow a fresh batch each year, and be patient: the seed is slow to come up.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Parsley in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to May | |
| Auckland | August to May | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to May | |
| Central North Island | August to May | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to May | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to May | |
| Canterbury | August to March | Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Otago & Southland | September to February | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Make the last sowing in Feb so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | September to May | Sow Sep to May. Cover early sowings with a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to early November. Get the last sowing in by May so it sizes up before winter growth stops. |
Not to be confused with: Hamburg parsley, a variety grown for its thick white root as well as its leaves.
Where to plant
Grow parsley in sun or part shade in fertile, moist, free-draining soil improved with compost. In hot districts some afternoon shade stops it bolting in summer. Plant it near the kitchen or in pots by the back door, where it is easy to pick.
Parsley is in the carrot family, so it can be attacked by carrot rust fly and shares the same rotation as carrots, parsnips and celery.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, the central North Island, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: sow almost all year, August to May. In winter, seed is slow, so plant seedlings instead.
- Canterbury: sow from August to March. Make the last sowing in March so the crop is ready before winter growth stops.
- Otago and Southland: sow from September to February; the soil is too cold earlier.
- Central Otago: sow from September to May, using a cloche for early sowings, as frosts run to early November.
Choosing a variety
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Italian flat-leaf (plain leaf) | Stronger flavour, preferred by cooks; vigorous and more tolerant of rain and sun than curly types. The stalks can be used like celery |
| Curly (for example Triple Curl) | Tightly curled, bright green leaves; a classic garnish and edging plant |
| Hamburg (root) parsley | Grown for its parsnip-like root as well as its leaves; see its own page |
How to plant
- Sow seed direct or in trays about 5 mm deep and keep it evenly moist. Germination is slow, often two to four weeks; soaking the seed in warm water overnight can speed it up.
- In winter, when seed is especially slow, plant seedlings from the garden centre instead.
- Transplant tray-raised seedlings when about 5 to 7 cm tall, at the same depth they were growing.
- Thin or space plants about 10 to 20 cm apart.
- Sow a fresh batch each spring, as plants run to seed in their second year.
Watering and feeding
Water consistently to keep the soil moist. Dry spells in summer make parsley bolt to seed.
Feed every couple of weeks with a liquid fertiliser rich in nitrogen to keep the leaves lush.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick regularly, and remove flower stems as they appear, to delay bolting.
- If a plant does run to seed, its flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, and you can let the seed dry on the plant to collect for sowing.
- Protect seedlings from slugs and snails.
Harvesting
Start picking once plants are well established, about 10 to 16 weeks after sowing. Take the outer stems from the base and leave the centre to keep growing.
Parsley keeps up to two weeks in the fridge with the stems in water and the leaves loosely covered. Chop and freeze it in ice cube trays for winter.
Growing in pots
Parsley grows well in a pot at least 20 to 30 cm wide and deep, in sun or part shade, and on a bright windowsill indoors. Keep the mix moist and feed every couple of weeks.
Companion planting
Parsley is a traditional companion in the vegetable garden. The Herb Federation of New Zealand suggests growing it near plants that aphids favour.
Good companions
- Tomato A traditional companion; the Herb Federation of New Zealand suggests parsley near tomatoes, roses and asparagus.
- Carrot A traditional pairing, though both share carrot rust fly, so cover the bed if the fly is a problem.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to parsley.
Pests and diseases
Parsley's main problems are slugs on seedlings, aphids, and leaf spot in wet weather.
Pests to watch for
- Slugs and snails (slugs and snails) Seedlings and young leaves eaten overnight.
- Aphids Clusters under the leaves and on stems.
- Carrot rust fly Plants that yellow and stall, with rusty tunnels in the roots.
Diseases to watch for
- Leaf spot Small brown spots with dark specks on the leaves, spreading in wet weather. Pick off affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Common questions
Why is my parsley seed taking so long to come up?
Parsley is naturally slow, often two to four weeks, and slower still in cold soil. Keep the seedbed moist, soak seed overnight before sowing, or plant seedlings in winter.
Why has my parsley gone to seed?
Parsley is a biennial and flowers in its second year, or sooner if stressed by heat and dry soil. Water consistently, pick often, remove flower stems and sow a fresh batch each spring.
Which is better, flat-leaf or curly parsley?
Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has a stronger flavour and is easier to grow in rain and sun. Curly parsley is a neat garnish and edging plant. Both grow the same way.
Can I grow parsley indoors?
Yes, in a pot on a bright, sunny windowsill. Keep the mix moist and feed it every couple of weeks.
How do I pick parsley without killing it?
Take outer stems from the base and leave the inner leaves to grow.
Can I grow parsley with mint?
It is best to keep them apart. The Herb Federation of New Zealand notes that parsley and mint do not grow well together.
Sources we checked: Tui: Parsley growing guide; Yates NZ: How to grow parsley; Kings Seeds NZ: Parsley Italian Flat Leaf; Herb Federation of New Zealand: Parsley.