Jesse Saylor
Family
Apiaceae
Botanical Name
Petroselinum crispum 'Extra Curled Dwarf'
Plant Common Name
Curly Parsley, Curlyleaf Parsley, Extra Curled Dwarf Parsley, Parsley
General Description
One of many named forms of curly-leaved parsley, 'Extra Curled Dwarf' produces a super compact, dense clump of extremely curly, bright green leaves. These are highly ornamental and ready to harvest around 65 to 70 days after planting.
Whether flat or curly-leaved, the leaves of parsley impart a fresh, green taste to food that helps clean the palate. This popular herb originates from southern Europe but is used and enjoyed by cultures throughout the world. It forms neat clumps of leaves that can be harvested throughout the growing season. These are used to season salads, soups, meats and pasta dishes. Curly forms are also used as a classic garnish.
Parsley forms a rosette of bright green, flattened or curly leaves. The plant is technically a biennial but is most often grown as an annual. In its second summer, it produces insignificant, dill-like umbels of yellow-green flowers. The seed that follows will fall to the ground and often germinate. After blooming and setting seed, the plant will die.
Grow this herb in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Parsley tastes best in the first year during the cool season. In the second year, and during flowering, its leaves are smaller and have a bitter taste, so it’s best to start a new crop each year. Plants are commonly grown from seed and planted in spring. They can also be planted in fall in areas with mild winters.
This is a must for the herb or vegetable garden. It also works well in container plantings or as a lush foliage plant in mixed borders. The leaves are a favorite food for black swallowtail larvae, so it’s an excellent choice for butterfly gardens as well.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Herb
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
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Width
10"-15" / 25.4cm - 38.1cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Southern Europe
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow Green
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Fruit Color
Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
