Growing parsley through winter is a rewarding and easy gardening project, and there are two primary ways to do it. You can grow parsley indoors for a continuous supply of fresh sprigs, or you can plant young seedlings outdoors and enjoy the beauty of parsley’s spring leaves and edible flowers. Either way, growing parsley through the winter is a great way to make the most of this hardy biennial plant.
Starting Parsley Seeds
Your first step in growing parsley is to start seeds. While parsley seed availability may be low from mail-order companies during late summer, there are usually a few varieties to choose from. For a biennial variety that reseeds well, consider growing curly types like ‘Moss Curled,’ which has been a garden staple since 1865.
Parsley seeds germinate faster in the warmth of summer, but they benefit from a process called seed priming. To do this, place the seeds in a strainer and douse them with hot water. This helps remove germination inhibitors, allowing seeds to sprout in 7 to 10 days. Start seedlings outdoors in the shade until they have two true leaves. Afterward, transplant them into larger pots—one or two seedlings per container, depending on the pot size. Despite common misconceptions, parsley seedlings are easy to transplant if the roots are kept moist.
Growing Parsley Indoors During Winter
If you want fresh parsley throughout the winter, growing it indoors is a great option. In early spring, I harvested 78 stems from two parsley plants grown in a south-facing window. These plants were started in August and moved indoors in October. If you lack a sunny spot, you can use fluorescent or LED lights to support the plants while they’re small. As they grow, it’s best to place them on a cool windowsill where they can receive even light on all sides. Rotate the pots every couple of days to ensure even exposure.
Indoor parsley may attract aphids, which can be managed by rinsing the plants with soapy water on mild days. Alternatively, you can introduce ladybugs, which are natural aphid predators. Within a week, you should see a significant reduction in aphid numbers.
Growing Parsley Outdoors Through Winter
Parsley plants are surprisingly hardy, with well-established plants surviving temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C). However, leaf quality declines below 20°F (-6°C). In cold climates, focus on protecting the roots and crowns. Use a layer of mulch for insulation and cover the plants with a protective shroud, such as row cover or an old sheet. This will shield the plants from cold winds and prevent damage from rabbits or deer. When uncovered in early spring, your parsley will begin growing vigorously.
Parsley is a biennial, meaning it needs a cold period to trigger flowering. Once it blooms, it attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies. In the fall, I harvest ripe seed heads and allow the remaining seeds to fall to the ground. These seeds often result in volunteer parsley seedlings in the spring, providing fresh parsley year after year. You can even collect extra seeds to use in cooking, as they can replace celery seeds in recipes (just soak them overnight to plump them up).
Conclusion
Growing parsley through the winter—whether indoors or outdoors—is a simple and highly rewarding endeavor. It provides a steady supply of fresh parsley, supports beneficial insects, and can even supply seeds for future growth. By following these tips, you can enjoy parsley’s aromatic flavor all year long while also supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.