How To Harvest Parsley Again, and Again, and Again…
You’re cultivating your new herb garden and want to how to harvest parsley without killing or damaging your plant. Cut the parsley stalk just above ground level with secateurs, taking from the outer stems first where leaves are large and abundant. This allows the younger, inner stems to continue maturing and filling out. Harvesting also stimulates the parsley to regrow.
In today’s chat, we explore how to harvest parsley without killing the plant and also provide some great tips on growing parsley, including a guide on storing parsley in your kitchen.
Grab a coffee, put your feet up and let’s get started!
How to Harvest Parsley So You Can Keep Coming Back for More
Harvesting parsley is so easy! Simply cut off the stems you need, starting from the outside of the bush where the stems are thickest. This will give you the greatest amount of leaves. Younger growth is found on the inner stems, so if you leave these alone they’ll have a chance to mature. Pruning off stems also stimulates new plant growth, so you’ll be able to enjoy parsley season-round.
Does Parsley Come Back Every Year
We are often asked if parsley comes back every year and the answer is technically ‘no’. Parsley is a biennial herb, which means it lasts for two years or two gardening seasons.
During the first year, parsley produces tasty leaves and stores energy – this is the best time to harvest. After the second season, the parsley plant will flower and seed (also known as ‘bolting’). Many people eat bolted parsley by simply adding the flowers to their cooking, just as they would the parsley leaves.
Good news – you have two wonderful harvests to include this delicious herb in your cooking. Enjoy!
When to Harvest Parsley
You may be wondering, ‘when is the right time for harvesting parsley?’ Simply – anytime! When the leaves are large, your parsley plant is ready to cut and use. The best time of the day to harvest is first thing in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
In the autumn months, you will find some of the strongest, healthiest stems for harvesting. Summer also produces abundant leaf growth. During the winter months, you can still harvest parsley, but it will be more delicate and have a shorter shelf life.
Keep an eye on your plant and when the leaves look fresh and vibrant, go ahead and snip them off! You’ll be able to enjoy fresh parsley all year round.
Step Instructions for Harvesting Parsley
This is our complete guide on how to harvest parsley, without killing the plant. Equipped with these steps you will have success with your parsley plant.
- Start with a clean pair of secateurs
- Select an outer, thicker stem that has lots of leaves
- If you want a bunch of parsley, just cut one stem at a time
- Gently hold the base of the stem and cut just above ground level
- Avoid pulling from the roots
- Don’t cut the whole parsley plant – just what you need