Flat Leaf Parsley

Family: Apiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

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Aromatic, flat, and beautifully lacy—Italian Flat Leaf Parsley brings a vivid green fragrance that rises the moment you brush its leaves.

The foliage is tender and finely textured, with broad, true flat blades that stay attractive through the season for steady harvests. Ideal for fresh garnishing and flavoring, it shines in herb-forward sauces, bright salads, and pickling blends where its clean, classic parsley character is front and center.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Flat Leaf Parsley

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Flat Leaf Parsley Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Mar 30th	May 25th	Aug 3rd – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Mar 20th	May 15th	Jul 24th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Mar 20th	May 15th	Jul 24th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Mar 24th	May 19th	Jul 28th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Mar 20th	May 15th	Jul 24th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Mar 18th	May 13th	Jul 22nd – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 13th	May 8th	Jul 17th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 9th	May 4th	Jul 13th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 6th	May 1st	Jul 10th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Feb 28th	Apr 25th	Jul 4th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Feb 23rd	Apr 20th	Jun 29th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 13th	Apr 10th	Jun 19th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 4th	Apr 1st	Jun 10th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Jan 26th	Mar 23rd	Jun 1st – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 9th	Mar 6th	May 15th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 15th	Feb 9th	Apr 20th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 10th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Italian flat-leaf parsley has a sharper, more fragrant lift than curly types, with blades that chop clean and stay delicate rather than turning stringy. It’s the kind of green you trust to go in late—so it perfumes the bowl instead of cooking into muted grass.

Best Uses

tear-fresh into warm beans or lentils at the end
fold into chimichurri-style sauces and vinaigrettes
use as the primary green in tabbouleh and grain salads
blend into quick pickling mixes and herb relishes

Flavor Profile

bright, clean herbaceous bite finely textured, tender leaves slightly peppery, fresh-cut finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil butter parmesan black pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common disease issue for flat-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) and how do I control it?

A frequent problem is Septoria leaf spot, which shows as small, dark spots that expand and yellow the leaves. Remove and discard infected foliage, improve airflow around plants, and avoid wetting the leaves when watering. If it keeps spreading, treat with a labeled copper-based fungicide and repeat as directed on the label, starting at the first signs.

How often should I water flat-leaf parsley during the main growing phase?

Keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially through the 60–70 days leading to harvest. Water when the surface begins to dry, typically about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and soil texture, and ensure good drainage to prevent root stress. Parsley in consistently wet soil is more prone to leaf spotting and slow growth.

How can I tell when flat-leaf parsley is ready to harvest (about 70 days)?

Harvest when plants have reached a full rosette and leaves are sturdy enough to cut without tearing—typically around day 70. Pick outer stems first, cutting near the base and leaving the inner growth to continue producing. If leaves are pale and sparse, wait a bit longer; harvest should be vigorous once the plant forms dense, flat leaves.