Why does parsley delay its growth?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

January 23, 2003

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Of all the seeds planted in an herb garden, parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Miller) Nyman ex A.W. Hill) is usually the slowest to germinate. The seeds may take up to a month before the tiny leaves appear above the ground. A legend, told me in my youth, stated the seeds must visit the devil three times, a week each visit, before allowed to grow.

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Parsley is in the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae); like other members of the family, parsley produces furanocoumarins. These toxins aid in reducing herbivory, fungal diseases, and competition from other plants. Parsley seeds received protection from the parent plant; furanocoumarins are found in the seed coat. Released into the soil, the chemicals are allelopathic stopping other seeds from germinating and reserving sunlight, water, and nutrients for parsley.

Parsley seeds need plenty of moisture to disperse the furanocoumarins from their seed coats. Until the seeds have been exposed to sufficient moisture, the furanocoumarins prevent even the parsley seeds from germinating. This delay tactic may serve the plants in the long run. If the seed germinated before regular spring rains, the immature plants could wither and die.

The Arboretum at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington has posted a photograph of curled-leaved parsley, Petroselinum crispum var. crispum, one of many varieties. To view the photograph, click on the link:

http://www.uncwil.edu/arboretum/Parsley.jpg

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Italian Parsley Herbs

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Distinctive Dark Green Strain

More subtle grass-like flavor and aroma than regular parsley. Italian Parsley is an annual. 80 DAYS.

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Comments: Annual. This flat-leaved parsley, not the curled garnish variety. A dark green strain; broad leaves. Good plant for windowsills. Very adaptable. More vitamin C per volume than oranges. Gentle flavor blends well with foods.

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Champion Moss Parsley Herbs

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Ideal Garnish

Conveniently compact strain produces frilly sprigs. Champion Moss Parsley is an annual. 70 DAYS.

So much better than the dried and flash-frozen herbs in the supermarket!

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Comments: Heavy biennial; usually grown as an annual. Gives good crop in full or partial shade. Compact plants.

English Thyme

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

For Vegetables and Meats

Use fresh leaves for vegetables; use dry for meats.

Perennial. 85 days.

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French Tarragon

Gurney's Seed and Nursery®

Prized by Good Cooks

Tender shoots and leaves with peppery, anise-like flavor and a hint of vanilla. A gourmet favorite for seasoning meats, sauces and piquant wine vinegars.

Easy-care perennial grows 2-3 feet tall, spreads slowly. Click here - $20 off your first order at Gurneys! [More Herbs...} [Herb Mill]

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