Family
Apiaceae
Botanical Name
Petroselinum crispum var. tuberosum 'Berliner Bero'
Plant Common Name
Berliner Bero Parsley, Hamburg Parsley, Parsley, Root Parsley, Tuberous Parsley
General Description
This classic European cultivar of root parsley is known for its long, crisp, sweet roots. Root parsley is a biennial herb grown for its tasty roots, which have a nutty flavor reminiscent of celery. The foliage can be used sparingly as a garnish. Parsley is native to southern Europe and is most often grown as an annual vegetable. The long, white, carrot-like roots are ready to harvest around 100 days after planting.
Plants produce clumps of ferny, many-divided leaves from a long, white taproot. The leaves have a stronger, more bitter flavor than those of leaf parsley. Root parsley is typically harvested in the first year, but it’s technically a biennial. In the summer of the second year, plants bear flat umbels of tiny yellowish flowers on upright stems. These are followed by lots of brown, flattened seed fruits that fall to the ground and often germinate. After blooming and setting seed, the plant will die.
Grow this tuberous herb in full sun and loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Its roots taste best in the first year. Like parsnips, tuberous parsley has the sweetest flavor after exposure to a few frosts. Plants are commonly grown from seed and planted in spring. They can also be planted in fall in areas with mild winters. Sow root parsley seed directly in the garden or set out small plants.
Root parsley can be treated like any other fall or winter root vegetable. It can be eaten raw but is best enjoyed sautéed, roasted or pureed in soups. This is a pleasing plant for the herb or vegetable garden. 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
5 - 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, Partial Shade
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Height
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
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Width
12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Southern Europe
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow Green
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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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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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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
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
