The IHA (International Herb Association) has selected PARSLEY Petroselinum ‘Moss Curled’ as its HERB OF THE YEAR FOR 2021.
Most everyone is familiar with parsley. But, do you know why? Parsley is used for elevating the flavor of dishes like soups, salads, and fish. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
HISTORY
I found reading the history of parsley to be fascinating. Parsley is one of the world’s most popular and most widely used herbs. It has been grown and used in Europe for almost 2,000 years, becoming popular in Roman kitchens. In medieval Europe, it was an essential plant in monastery herb gardens. Parsley was widely used for all ailments associated with the liver and kidneys. Also, people freshened their breath by chewing parsley leaves which is a custom still followed today to get rid of the smell of garlic.
WHY NOW?
The reason for my choosing to write about parsley in mid-February is because this is its time. Parsley is quite cold tolerant. We carry parsley seed packs from Botanical Interest and Burpee. The parsley seeds are USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC. This is important information for those of you who choose to do organic gardening and grow your own vegetables and herbs.
On the back of the seed packs is a wealth of information. It is recommended that you can start your seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before our average last frost date. For us here in Central Virginia our average last frost date is around the 20th of April. If you choose to sow the seeds directly in your garden then you want to do so 4 to 6 weeks before our average last frost date and when our soil temperature is over 50 degrees. I have a soil thermometer that I check regularly. Our soil temperature is now in the mid-40’s so, a little early to be sowing the seed outdoors. But, the right time is approaching quickly.
Parsley likes to be grown in rich, moist soil in full sun to just partial shade. Parsley can be easily grown in containers, along with other herbs. Personally, I grow my parsley in containers. Matter of fact, I had fresh parsley growing in my container up until just a few weeks ago because we had mild to average temperatures for January and my parsley was able to survive.
We will be carrying parsley starter plants any day now at the Great Big Greenhouse for those of you who prefer the actual plant over starting from seed.
COME SEE US FOR ALL YOUR HERB, VEGETABLE, AND FLOWER SEEDS ALONG WITH ALL THE SEED STARTING SUPPLIES.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!