Italian Flat Leaf Parsley

Giant of Italy Flat Leaf Parsley   Petroselinum crispum  

Seeds per pack ~75  

Germination: 75% Sep 2024, Packed for 2025

Origins and History

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, Petroselinum crispum, is a heritage culinary herb with deep Mediterranean roots, particularly in Italy and surrounding regions where it has been cherished for centuries. Unlike its curly-leaf cousin, this flat-leaf type has long been valued by cooks for its robust flavor and ease of chopping. It became a cornerstone of Italian cuisine and later spread throughout Europe and the Americas, where it remains one of the most widely grown and essential kitchen herbs. Its heirloom lineage reflects centuries of selection by gardeners and farmers who prioritized both flavor and resilience.

Appearance and Characteristics

This variety is a biennial herb commonly grown as an annual. It produces lush, flat, dark green leaves with a clean, serrated edge and a smooth texture. The plants typically reach 12–18 inches in height, with sturdy stems that hold up well for repeated harvests. Compared to curly parsley, Italian Flat Leaf has a stronger, more aromatic flavor that combines freshness with a slightly peppery undertone. Its appearance is similar to cilantro, though its scent and taste are distinct.

Culinary Uses

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley is one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen. It is a key ingredient in Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines, often used to finish dishes for freshness. The leaves are essential for flavoring soups, stews, sauces, salads, and pasta dishes, and they pair especially well with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It is also the star of traditional recipes such as tabbouleh and gremolata. Both leaves and stems are edible, with the stems offering concentrated flavor when cooked.

Growing Tips

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley thrives in USDA Zones 4–9. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter and full sun to partial shade. Seeds should be sown about 1/4 inch deep, either directly in the garden after frost danger has passed or started indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 2–4 weeks, so pre-soaking seeds overnight helps improve success. Regular watering and steady soil moisture encourage steady leaf production, and plants benefit from mulching to retain moisture.

Harvesting Guidance

Harvesting begins when plants are well established, usually about 70–80 days after sowing. Cut outer leaves and stems first, leaving the central growth intact to encourage continuous regrowth. Frequent harvesting prolongs the plant’s productivity, and leaves can be picked fresh as needed throughout the season. For winter use, parsley can be dried or frozen, though freezing best preserves its bright flavor. If allowed to overwinter in mild climates, it will send up flower stalks in its second year, after which it is best replanted for ongoing use.