Growing Parsley in Santa Cruz: The Two-Year Herb That Outperforms
Parsley doesn't get the respect it deserves. While gardeners obsess over temperamental basil or struggle with bolting cilantro, parsley quietly produces month after month, asking for almost nothing in return. This Mediterranean biennial gives you two full years of harvests from a single planting, tolerates conditions that would stress other herbs, and provides fresh flavor when your garden needs it most.
In Santa Cruz County, parsley has particular advantages. Our mild winters mean parsley often produces year-round rather than dying back. Our cool coastal summers prevent the heat stress that causes parsley to bolt prematurely in hotter regions. And our varied microclimates offer opportunities for parsley that sun-demanding Mediterranean herbs can't match, including the shady spots under fruit trees and along north-facing fences.
This guide covers everything you need to know to grow parsley successfully in Santa Cruz County, from understanding its biennial lifecycle to choosing between flat-leaf and curly varieties and hosting the beautiful swallowtail butterflies that depend on parsley family plants.
Understanding Parsley's Biennial Lifecycle
Unlike annual herbs that complete their lifecycle in one season or perennial herbs that return year after year, parsley is a biennial. Understanding this lifecycle helps you get the most from your plants.
Year One: Parsley focuses on leaf production. This is your primary harvest year, with vigorous growth from spring through fall and often continuing through Santa Cruz's mild winters.
Year Two: Parsley continues producing leaves through spring, but as temperatures warm, it sends up flower stalks and shifts energy toward seed production. The leaves become tougher and more bitter as the plant prepares to complete its lifecycle.
The Transition: In late spring or early summer of year two, parsley bolts (produces flowers). Once bolting begins, leaf quality declines rapidly. Some gardeners remove flower stalks to extend leaf harvest, but eventually the plant completes its mission and dies.
The Santa Cruz advantage: Our mild climate often extends year one production through winter, giving you more harvesting time than gardeners in colder regions. A parsley plant established in fall can produce heavily from winter through the following summer, then continue into year two before bolting.
Planning for continuity: To ensure uninterrupted parsley supply, plant new parsley each fall or spring. As your year-two plants begin bolting, your year-one plants will be hitting their stride.
Flat-Leaf vs. Curly Parsley: Which to Grow
Two main types of parsley are grown in home gardens, and the choice matters more than you might think.
| Feature | Flat-Leaf (Italian) | Curly Parsley |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Variety | P. crispum var. neapolitanum | P. crispum var. crispum |
| Leaf Shape | Flat, serrated leaves Resembles celery or cilantro leaves |
Tightly curled, ruffled Decorative, textured appearance |
| Plant Size | 18-24 inches tall More upright growth |
12-18 inches tall More compact, mounding |
| Flavor Intensity | ★★★★★ Bold and complex Peppery, grassy, slightly bitter |
★★★☆☆ Mild and grassy Less complexity, some find it bland |
| Cooking Performance | Excellent Flavor holds up to heat; develops complexity when cooked |
Good Flavor can get lost in cooking; better raw or as garnish |
| Ease of Prep | Easy to chop Flat leaves mince cleanly |
More work Curls can trap dirt; harder to mince finely |
| Best Culinary Uses | Chimichurri, gremolata, tabbouleh, pesto variations, soups, stews, sauces, compound butters, any cooked dish | Garnishes, egg salads, potato salads, decorative presentations |
| Ornamental Value | Moderate Attractive but less decorative |
Excellent Great for edging beds and borders |
| Professional Kitchen | Standard choice Preferred by most chefs |
Less common Mainly for traditional garnishes |
| Growing Difficulty | Easy Same care as curly |
Easy Same care as flat-leaf |
| Recommended Varieties | Giant of Italy, Titan, Dark Green Italian | Forest Green, Moss Curled, Extra Curled Dwarf |
Flat-Leaf Parsley (Italian Parsley)
Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum
Flat-leaf parsley has smooth, flat leaves on long stems, resembling celery leaves or cilantro. It's the preferred choice for most cooks and the dominant variety in professional kitchens.
Characteristics:
Flat, serrated leaves on long stems
Stronger, more complex flavor
More aromatic when cooked
Easier to chop and mince
18 to 24 inches tall
Flavor profile: Bold, slightly peppery, with grassy and slightly bitter notes. The flavor holds up well in cooking and develops complexity when heated.
Best uses: Chimichurri, gremolata, tabbouleh, pesto variations, soups, stews, sauces, compound butters, any cooked application where you want parsley flavor to come through.
Recommended varieties:
Giant of Italy: Large leaves, vigorous growth, excellent flavor
Titan: Compact plants, good for containers
Dark Green Italian: Deep color, good bolt resistance
Curly Parsley
Petroselinum crispum var. crispum
Curly parsley has tightly ruffled, decorative leaves that hold their shape well. While less popular with serious cooks, it has legitimate uses.
Characteristics:
Tightly curled, ruffled leaves
Milder, grassier flavor
Holds shape as garnish
More decorative appearance
12 to 18 inches tall (more compact)
Flavor profile: Milder and grassier than flat-leaf, with less complexity. Some find it slightly bitter or bland compared to Italian parsley.
Best uses: Classic garnishes, egg salads, potato salads, decorative borders in the garden, situations where you want texture without strong flavor.
Recommended varieties:
Forest Green: Dense, dark green curls
Moss Curled: Traditional variety with tight curls
Extra Curled Dwarf: Compact, good for containers and borders
The Verdict for Santa Cruz Gardens
Grow flat-leaf parsley if you cook with parsley regularly. The superior flavor makes it worth the garden space, and it's equally easy to grow.
Grow curly parsley if you want ornamental value, prefer mild flavor, or enjoy classic presentation for dishes like deviled eggs.
Grow both if you have space. They have different uses and both thrive in Santa Cruz conditions.
Growing Parsley by Santa Cruz Microclimate
Parsley is remarkably adaptable across Santa Cruz County's varied microclimates, making it one of the most reliable herbs regardless of where you garden.
Coastal Areas (Aptos, Capitola, Live Oak, Santa Cruz)
Coastal gardens provide excellent conditions for parsley. Cool temperatures prevent premature bolting, and fog moisture keeps plants happy without much supplemental water.
Coastal tips:
Full sun to partial shade both work well
Extended harvest season due to cool summers (parsley may produce for 18+ months before bolting)
Watch for slugs in foggy, moist conditions
Excellent companion for coastal vegetable beds
Inland Valleys (Scotts Valley, Soquel, Watsonville)
Warmer inland areas grow parsley well, though plants may bolt earlier in year two than coastal gardens.
Inland tips:
Afternoon shade helps during summer heat waves
Mulch to keep roots cool
Water more frequently during hot spells
Year-two bolting may occur earlier (late spring rather than summer)
San Lorenzo Valley (Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton)
Mountain gardeners find parsley reliable and forgiving. It handles light frost and variable conditions better than many herbs.
Mountain tips:
Full sun in cooler mountain locations
Parsley tolerates light frost; heavy mulch helps in coldest areas
May die back in hard freezes but often regrows from roots
Excellent choice for gardens with less consistent sun
Under the Redwoods
Here's where parsley really shines. Unlike Mediterranean herbs that demand full sun, parsley tolerates partial shade, making it one of the best herb choices for shaded Santa Cruz gardens.
Shaded garden tips:
Parsley grows well with 4 to 6 hours of sunlight
Won't be as robust as full-sun plants, but will produce respectably
Ideal for north-facing beds, under fruit trees, or along shady fences
One of the few culinary herbs that actually tolerates these conditions
For more on gardening in different areas, see Navigating Santa Cruz County's Microclimates.
When to Plant Parsley in Santa Cruz
Parsley can be planted in both spring and fall, but timing affects your harvest schedule.
Fall Planting (September through November): Best Choice
Fall-planted parsley establishes roots during cool, moist weather and begins producing leaves through winter in Santa Cruz's mild climate. By spring, plants are robust and ready for heavy harvesting.
Advantages:
Roots establish before summer stress
Winter harvests in most Santa Cruz microclimates
Plants are mature and productive by spring
Maximum total harvest from the biennial lifecycle
Spring Planting (February through April): Good Alternative
Spring planting works well, though you'll wait longer for substantial harvests.
Advantages:
Avoids winter establishment (helpful in coldest mountain areas)
Strong growth through summer and fall
Plants ready for heavy harvest by late summer
Avoid Planting
Mid-summer (June through August): Hot soil and dry conditions stress parsley seedlings. If you must plant in summer, choose a shaded spot and water consistently.
How to Plant Parsley
Parsley grows from seeds or starts. Seeds are slow to germinate but economical; starts give you a head start.
From Seeds
Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate, taking 2 to 4 weeks. An old gardeners' saying claims parsley seeds must travel to the devil and back seven times before sprouting. While that's folklore, patience is genuinely required.
Improving germination:
Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting (helps soften the hard seed coat)
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist soil
Keep soil consistently moist until germination
Be patient; germination takes 14 to 28 days
Thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart once they have several true leaves
Direct sowing vs. starting indoors:
Direct sow in fall when soil is still warm and moist
Start indoors in late winter (6 to 8 weeks before transplanting) for spring planting
Both methods work; direct sowing is simpler but requires patience
Seed sources: Renee's Garden Seeds (based in Felton), Botanical Interests, and Johnny's Selected Seeds.
From Nursery Starts (Faster)
Most Santa Cruz nurseries carry parsley starts, especially in spring and fall. This is the fastest route to harvest.
Choose healthy plants with deep green leaves
Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot
Water well at planting
Begin harvesting once plants are established and growing vigorously (usually 3 to 4 weeks)
Where to buy: San Lorenzo Garden Center, Scarborough Gardens, Dig Gardens, Mountain Feed & Farm Supply.
Planting Location and Soil
Parsley is less demanding than many herbs about soil and location.
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4 to 8 hours). One of the few culinary herbs that tolerates less than full sun.
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Unlike drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs, parsley appreciates regular water and moderately fertile soil.
Spacing: 6 to 8 inches apart for flat-leaf; 4 to 6 inches for compact curly varieties.
Containers: Parsley grows well in containers at least 8 inches deep. Use quality potting mix and keep soil consistently moist.
Caring for Parsley
Parsley is low-maintenance but performs best with basic attention.
Watering
Parsley prefers consistent moisture, unlike drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs.
Watering guidelines:
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
Mulch helps retain moisture
Coastal fog often provides adequate moisture during summer
Wilting leaves indicate the plant needs water; parsley recovers quickly when watered
Fertilizing
Parsley benefits from moderate fertility, especially since you're harvesting leaves continuously.
Fertilizing guidelines:
Work compost into soil at planting
Side-dress with compost or apply balanced organic fertilizer monthly during active growth
Don't over-fertilize; too much nitrogen can dilute flavor
Ongoing Maintenance
Regular harvesting: The best maintenance for parsley is regular harvesting. Cutting encourages fresh, tender growth and extends the productive life of your plants.
Remove flower stalks (year two): When parsley begins bolting in its second year, you can remove flower stalks to extend leaf harvest, though leaf quality will decline regardless.
Watch for overcrowding: If parsley self-seeds (which it will if you let some plants flower), thin volunteer seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Harvesting Parsley
Parsley provides one of the longest harvest seasons of any herb, often producing year-round in Santa Cruz's mild climate.
When to Start Harvesting
Begin harvesting once plants have at least 10 to 12 stems and are growing vigorously. For transplants, this is usually 3 to 4 weeks after planting. For seed-started plants, expect 70 to 90 days from sowing.
How to Harvest
For best results:
Cut outer stems at the base, leaving inner growth to continue developing
Harvest stems rather than just leaves for the most flavor
Take no more than one-third of the plant at once
Morning harvest captures the most flavor
Avoid:
Cutting the central growing point (damages the plant)
Taking too much at once (weakens the plant)
Harvesting during extreme heat
Harvest Frequency
In active growing season, you can harvest every 1 to 2 weeks. Parsley regrows quickly and regular cutting encourages fresh growth.
Preserving Parsley
Fresh parsley has the best flavor, but you can preserve surplus.
Freezing (best method):
Chop parsley and freeze in ice cube trays with water or olive oil
Freeze whole stems flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to bags
Frozen parsley works well in cooked dishes
Drying (not recommended):
Dried parsley loses most of its flavor
If you must dry it, use a dehydrator on the lowest setting
Dried parsley is really only useful for visual appeal in dry rubs
Chimichurri and herb pastes:
Blend fresh parsley with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings
Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portions
Retains flavor much better than drying
Parsley and Swallowtail Butterflies
Parsley belongs to the Apiaceae family (also called Umbelliferae), which includes carrots, celery, dill, fennel, and cilantro. This family serves as the host plant for beautiful swallowtail butterflies, including the Anise Swallowtail common in Santa Cruz County.
The Swallowtail Connection
Female swallowtails lay eggs on parsley family plants. The caterpillars that hatch are striking creatures with black, green, and yellow bands. They feed on parsley leaves before pupating and emerging as butterflies.
What to expect:
Caterpillars appear in spring and summer
They eat parsley leaves (and dill, fennel, and carrot tops)
Each caterpillar consumes relatively little before pupating
Adult butterflies pollinate your garden
Welcoming Swallowtails
Many gardeners consider swallowtail caterpillars garden allies rather than pests. If you want to support them:
Plant extra parsley, dill, or fennel specifically for caterpillars
Don't use pesticides on parsley family plants
Tolerate some leaf damage; it's a small price for butterfly habitat
Watch for the dramatic caterpillars; they're fascinating to observe
If you'd rather prioritize parsley harvest, simply relocate caterpillars to dill or fennel (which you might value less in the kitchen).
For more on beneficial insects, see Attracting Beneficial Insects to Your Garden.
Parsley as a Companion Plant
Parsley makes an excellent companion plant, benefiting nearby vegetables while providing culinary harvests.
Beneficial Companions
Plant parsley near:
Tomatoes: Traditional companion; parsley may attract beneficial insects that prey on tomato pests
Asparagus: Classic pairing; parsley is said to invigorate asparagus plants
Corn: Parsley attracts beneficial insects
Roses: Some gardeners plant parsley near roses to enhance fragrance (traditional belief)
Carrots: Related plants that share pest enemies but also attract beneficial insects together
Avoid Planting Near
Lettuce: Some sources suggest parsley can inhibit lettuce growth
Alliums (onions, garlic): Mixed reports; some gardeners keep them separated
For more companion planting information, see our Companion Planting Guide.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Parsley is generally trouble-free, but a few issues occasionally arise.
Slow or No Germination
Parsley seeds are notoriously slow. If you've been waiting less than 3 weeks, be patient.
Improve germination:
Soak seeds 24 hours before planting
Keep soil consistently moist (not wet)
Ensure soil temperature is 50°F to 85°F
Seeds may be old; try fresh seed from a reputable source
Yellowing Leaves
Possible causes:
Overwatering: Ensure soil drains well; reduce watering frequency
Underwatering: Parsley needs consistent moisture; check soil
Nutrient deficiency: Apply balanced organic fertilizer
Root damage: Check for root rot or gopher damage
Bolting (Flowering) Too Soon
If first-year parsley bolts, it's usually due to stress.
Causes:
Drought stress (inconsistent watering)
Extreme heat
Root disturbance during transplanting
Plants were already stressed when purchased
Once bolting begins, it can't be reversed. Harvest what you can and plant replacement parsley.
Caterpillar Damage
Those beautiful striped caterpillars are swallowtail larvae. They're not a pest problem; they're future butterflies. Unless damage is severe, consider sharing your parsley with them.
If damage is excessive:
Hand-pick caterpillars and relocate to dill or fennel
Plant sacrificial parsley specifically for butterflies
Use row cover to exclude egg-laying butterflies (if you really must)
Slugs and Snails
Common in coastal and shaded gardens. You'll see irregular holes in leaves and slime trails.
Management:
Hand-pick at night when they're active
Use beer traps
Apply iron phosphate bait (safe for organic gardens)
Reduce hiding places by clearing debris
| 📋 Basic Information | |
| Botanical Name | Petroselinum crispum |
| Plant Type | Biennial (produces for 2 years, then flowers and dies) |
| Native Region | Mediterranean (well-adapted to our climate) |
| Mature Size | Flat-leaf: 18-24" | Curly: 12-18" |
| ☀️ Growing Conditions | |
| Sun Needs | Full sun Partial shade Tolerates 4-6 hrs sun (better than most herbs!) |
| Water Needs | Medium - Keep soil evenly moist More moisture than Mediterranean herbs |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, moderately fertile Appreciates compost; not as drought-tolerant as sage/rosemary |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy Tolerates light frost; may die back in hard freezes but often regrows |
| 🗓️ Planting & Timing | |
| Best Planting Time | Fall (Sept-Nov) = Ideal Spring (Feb-Apr) = Good Avoid mid-summer planting |
| Start From | Nursery starts (faster) Seeds Slow! 2-4 weeks to germinate Soak seeds 24 hrs before planting |
| Spacing | 6-8 inches apart (flat-leaf) | 4-6 inches (curly) |
| Days to Harvest | 70-90 days from seed | 30 days from transplants |
| ✂️ Harvesting | |
| Production Period | 18-24 months from single planting! Plant annually for continuous supply |
| How to Harvest | Cut outer stems at base; leave inner growth Take no more than 1/3 of plant at once |
| Preserving | Freezing (best method - chop and freeze in oil/water) Drying (not recommended - loses flavor) |
| 🔄 Biennial Lifecycle | |
| Year 1 | Heavy leaf production - primary harvest year |
| Year 2 | Continued production until bolting (late spring/summer) Leaves become tougher/bitter as plant flowers |
| Planning Tip | Plant new parsley each fall or spring for uninterrupted supply |
| 🤝 Companion Planting | |
| Plant Near | Tomatoes Asparagus Corn Roses Carrots |
| Keep Away From | Lettuce (may inhibit growth) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parsley easy to grow in Santa Cruz?
Yes, parsley is one of the easiest and most reliable herbs for Santa Cruz gardens. It tolerates partial shade, handles our cool coastal summers, and often produces year-round in our mild climate. Its main requirement is consistent moisture.
What's the difference between flat-leaf and curly parsley?
Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has stronger, more complex flavor and is preferred for cooking. Curly parsley has milder flavor and is mainly used as garnish. Most serious cooks recommend flat-leaf for culinary use.
Why is my parsley slow to germinate?
Parsley seeds are notoriously slow, often taking 2 to 4 weeks to sprout. Soak seeds for 24 hours before planting and keep soil consistently moist. Be patient.
How long does parsley produce?
Parsley is a biennial, producing leaves for two growing seasons before flowering and dying. In Santa Cruz's mild climate, a well-tended plant can produce for 18 to 24 months. Plant new parsley annually to ensure continuous supply.
Can parsley grow in shade?
Yes, parsley tolerates partial shade better than most culinary herbs. It grows well with 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, making it ideal for gardens under trees or along north-facing fences.
When should I plant parsley in Santa Cruz?
Fall (September through November) is ideal because plants establish during cool weather and produce through winter. Spring (February through April) also works well. Avoid planting in mid-summer heat.
Why is my parsley flowering in its first year?
First-year bolting usually indicates stress from drought, extreme heat, or root disturbance. Once bolting begins, it can't be reversed. Harvest remaining leaves and plant replacement parsley.
Are the caterpillars on my parsley pests?
The colorful striped caterpillars are swallowtail butterfly larvae. Many gardeners consider them beneficial and share their parsley with them. If you prefer to protect your harvest, relocate caterpillars to dill or fennel.
Downloadable Guides
These free PDF guides support your herb-growing success:
Companion Planting Guide: Learn which plants benefit from parsley as a companion.
Seasonal Planting Calendar: Month-by-month planting guidance for Santa Cruz County.
Garden Troubleshooting Guide: Quick fixes for common garden problems.
Know Your Microclimate Worksheet: Identify your garden's unique conditions.
Local Resources
UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties: Free gardening advice hotline and educational programs.
San Lorenzo Garden Center: Carries herb starts including parsley.
Renee's Garden Seeds: Felton-based seed company with quality herb seeds.
Mountain Feed & Farm Supply: Organic herb starts and gardening supplies.
Final Thoughts
Parsley deserves a place in every Santa Cruz County garden. It produces for two full years from a single planting, tolerates the shade that defeats Mediterranean herbs, handles our cool coastal summers without bolting, and provides fresh flavor when you need it most.
Plant flat-leaf parsley if you cook seriously. Plant curly parsley if you want ornamental value. Plant both if you have space. And consider leaving some plants to flower in their second year, both for the swallowtail butterflies that depend on parsley family plants and for the self-sown volunteers that appear the following season.
A few parsley plants tucked into sunny corners, shady edges, or vegetable bed borders will keep your kitchen supplied for years with minimal effort. That's the kind of return every gardener should appreciate.
Related Articles
Herb Growing Guides
Growing Herbs in Santa Cruz County - Complete guide to growing culinary herbs
Growing Basil in Santa Cruz - Tips for our most popular summer herb
Growing Rosemary in Santa Cruz - The easiest Mediterranean herb
Growing Lavender in Santa Cruz - Fragrant, drought-tolerant beauty
Growing Mint in Santa Cruz - Vigorous grower for mojitos and more
Growing Thyme in Santa Cruz - Versatile culinary and cocktail herb
Growing Oregano in Santa Cruz - Mediterranean kitchen essential
Growing Sage in Santa Cruz - Savory herb for cooking and cocktails
Growing Parsley in Santa Cruz - The underrated two-year herb
Growing Cilantro in Santa Cruz - Cool-season favorite
Growing Dill in Santa Cruz - Quick-growing annual herb
Growing Chives in Santa Cruz - Easy perennial onion flavor
Herb Care & Preservation
Preventing Basil from Bolting - Keep basil productive all season
Preserving Fresh Herbs - Drying, freezing, and infusing methods
Special Topics
Growing Herbs for Cocktails - From garden to glass
Fire-Wise Herb Gardens - Low-growing, high-moisture plants for defensible space
