How to Grow Parsley in Australia
A year-round herb crop for the home garden
Growing Parsley at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week, one plant provides year-round harvesting.
This guide covers when to plant Parsley in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Parsley is a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown all year round. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Parsley part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 20 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 21 days, fastest when the soil is between 15 and 25 degrees.
Slow to germinate, be patient. Biennial: flowers in its second year.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 4 L per plant every 2 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Slugs. The main diseases to watch are Septoria leaf spot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Parsley is typically ready to harvest in around 80 days (about 3 months). Fridge with stems in water, covered loosely, up to 2 weeks.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, parsley is good chopped into tabbouleh, added to salsa verde and chimichurri, stirred into soups and stews at the end and fried as a crispy garnish. Nutritionally: excellent source of vitamin K and C and contains minerals like iron and calcium.
Companion Planting
Parsley grows well alongside Tomato and Carrot. Keep it away from Lettuce. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Parsley Growing
Add parsley to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsley in Australia?
Parsley is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown all year round. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Parsley take to grow?
Parsley is generally ready to harvest in around 80 days (about 3 months).
Can I grow Parsley in a pot?
Yes. Parsley grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Parsley need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Parsley in the Plant Library
