- First Harvest: If you’re growing parsley from seeds, wait until the plants have grown at least 6-8 inches tall, and the leaves are fully developed. This usually takes about 3-4 months after planting, depending on the growing conditions.
- Leaf Maturity: It’s important to harvest parsley when the leaves are mature but not overripe. Ideally, wait until the plant has several sets of leaves. The leaves should be bright green and not yellowing, indicating the plant is healthy and flavorful.
- Parsley, like many herbs, should be harvested before it begins to flower. Once parsley starts flowering (producing small white or yellow flowers), the leaves tend to become bitter, and the plant’s energy goes into producing seeds rather than more flavorful foliage.
- If you see flowers starting to form, it’s a good idea to prune them back or harvest the leaves quickly to preserve the flavor.
- Always harvest parsley by cutting the outer leaves from the stem, leaving the inner growth of the plant intact. This allows the plant to continue growing and produce fresh leaves for future harvesting.
- Use clean scissors or sharp garden shears to cut the stems to avoid damaging the plant.
How to Store Parsley Perfectly:
Proper storage can help preserve the freshness and flavor of parsley for longer, whether you’re storing it in the fridge, freezing it, or drying it. Here’s how to store parsley in the best way possible:
