How to grow Hamburg Parsley in Australia
Hamburg parsley, or parsley root, is a form of parsley grown for its long, pale, parsnip-like root, with leaves that can be used like flat-leaf parsley. It needs a long, cool growing season, deep stone-free soil and patience, as the seed is slow to come up. Sown in autumn in most of Australia, it gives roots through winter and spring.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Hamburg Parsley in Australia
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to June | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to June | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to July | Longer cool season than SEQ. Sow Hamburg parsley direct Mar to Jul for roots through winter and spring. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | February to July | Extended cool-season window. Reliable root crop in Melbourne. |
| Adelaide & SA | February to July | Sow Feb to Jul direct with fresh seed; roots size up through the cool season and hold in the ground over winter. |
| Perth & WA | March to July | Sow Mar to Jul direct with fresh seed. Roots grow through the mild winter and are dug in spring. |
| Tasmania | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov. Dual purpose root and leaf through autumn and winter. |
| Canberra & ACT | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov; long season like parsnip. Roots stand through winter and sweeten with frost. |
| North Queensland | April to July | Marginal. Sow Apr to Jul for the coolest months. Roots stay small without a long cool season, as with parsnip. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not suited. Needs a long cool season to swell its root, which Darwin never gets. Grow leaf parsley instead. |
Not to be confused with: Parsnip, which has a similar root but is a different plant, and Parsley, the leafy herb, whose root is not eaten.
Where to plant
Grow Hamburg parsley in full sun or part shade in deep, moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil. The roots grow 15 to 20 cm long, so the soil must be loose and free of stones. Do not use fresh manure, which makes roots fork; a bed manured for a previous crop is ideal. On heavy or waterlogged soil, mound the soil up and sow on top.
Like parsnip, it needs a long, cool season to swell its root. In warm areas the roots stay small.
- South East Queensland and the Northern Rivers: sow from March to June for roots in winter and spring.
- Sydney and Perth: sow direct from March to July.
- Melbourne and Adelaide: sow from February to July. Roots size up through the cool season and hold in the ground over winter.
- Canberra and Hobart: sow from September to November for a long season. In Canberra roots stand through winter and sweeten with frost.
- North Queensland: marginal. Sow from April to July for the coolest months; roots stay small. Darwin: not suited; grow leaf parsley instead.
How to plant
- Dig the bed deeply, remove stones and rake it fine.
- Sow fresh seed direct, about 1 cm deep, in rows about 30 cm apart. Hamburg parsley does not transplant well.
- Keep the soil moist. Germination is slow and can take up to a month.
- Thin seedlings to about 15 to 23 cm apart once they are big enough to handle.
- Keep the bed weeded, as the slow seedlings compete poorly.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil evenly moist, watering regularly and thoroughly in dry spells. Uneven watering can make the roots split, and dry soil gives small, tough roots.
Little feeding is needed in soil improved with compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which grow leaf rather than root.
Harvesting
Pick a few leaves at a time through the season and use them like flat-leaf parsley, leaving most of the foliage to feed the root. The roots are ready about 3 to 4 months after sowing. Dig one or two first to check their size; they are best at about 12 to 15 cm long. Loosen the soil with a fork before lifting, as the roots snap.
In cool areas roots can be left in the ground and dug as needed through winter. Lifted roots keep for up to about three weeks in the fridge.
Growing in pots
Hamburg parsley needs depth, so grow it only in a pot or trough at least 30 cm deep, filled with a light potting mix. Sow direct into the pot and keep it evenly moist.
Using it
Use the root like parsnip or celeriac: roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews, where it gives a mild parsley and celery flavour. The leaves are used like parsley.
Varieties
- Hamburg Half Long
Companion planting
Hamburg parsley shares a bed well with other slow, cool-season crops. Its companion pairings are traditional rather than proven.
Good companions
- Tomato Parsley is traditionally grown near tomatoes, and its flowers, if allowed, bring in beneficial insects. In most regions the two overlap only briefly.
- Asparagus A long-term bed whose edges can hold a row of parsley root through the cool months.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to hamburg parsley.
- Lettuce Fast lettuce shades and crowds the slow Hamburg parsley seedlings, so give them separate rows.
Pests and diseases
Hamburg parsley has few problems. Slugs on seedlings are the main threat.
Pests to watch for
- Slugs Young seedlings eaten off at ground level, with slime trails.
Diseases to watch for
- Leaf spot Brown spots on the leaves in wet weather. Remove affected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage.
Common questions
What is Hamburg parsley?
A form of parsley grown for its long, pale root, which looks like a slim parsnip and tastes of parsley and celery. Its leaves can be used like flat-leaf parsley.
Is parsley root the same as parsnip?
No. They look similar, but parsley root is slimmer, lacks parsnip's woody core and is a different plant.
Why is my Hamburg parsley seed not coming up?
It is naturally slow and can take up to a month to germinate. Use fresh seed, keep the soil moist the whole time, and sow in cool weather.
When should I sow Hamburg parsley?
In autumn and early winter in most of Australia, from February or March to July. In Canberra and Hobart, sow in spring for a long season.
How do I know when the roots are ready?
About 3 to 4 months after sowing. Dig one to check: roots about 12 to 15 cm long are ready. In cool areas leave the rest in the ground and dig as needed.
Can I eat Hamburg parsley leaves?
Yes. Pick a few at a time and use them like flat-leaf parsley, but leave most of the leaves so the root keeps growing.
Sources we checked: BBC Gardeners' World: How to grow parsley root; The Seed Collection: Parsley, Hamburg turnip rooted.