How to Grow Parsley in Australia: A Simple Guide for Home Gardeners

Parsley is one of the most useful and versatile herbs you can grow at home. Whether you’re garnishing a meal, blending a fresh chimichurri, or juicing greens, parsley adds a burst of flavour and nutrition. Best of all, it’s hardy, easy to grow, and thrives in a variety of Australian climates.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow lush, healthy parsley — from seed to harvest — in your backyard, balcony, or even on a sunny windowsill.

Why Grow Parsley?

Parsley isn’t just a garnish. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, contains antioxidants, and supports digestive and immune health. In the garden, it’s also a great companion plant, attracting beneficial insects and improving soil quality.

You can grow parsley:

• In garden beds or raised planters

• In pots or small containers

• Indoors near a bright window

It’s a low-maintenance herb perfect for beginner gardeners and busy households.

Types of Parsley You Can Grow in Australia

There are two main types of parsley commonly grown at home:

• Curly Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Bright green and decorative with ruffled leaves. Milder flavour, great for garnishes.

• Flat Leaf Parsley (Italian Parsley): Stronger flavour and easier to chop. Preferred for cooking.

Both grow equally well in Australian conditions. Choose one based on how you plan to use it — or grow both for variety.

When to Plant Parsley in Australia

Parsley is a cool-season herb that prefers moderate temperatures.

Ideal planting times by region:

• Southern states (VIC, SA, TAS, southern WA): Best planted in autumn and spring. It tolerates light frost.

• Northern states (QLD, NT): Grow in autumn, winter, or early spring — avoid the hottest months.

• NSW (including Sydney): Plant from March to October for best results.

Parsley can take 2–3 weeks to germinate, so be patient — it’s worth the wait.

How to Grow Parsley From Seed

Growing parsley from seed is cost-effective and rewarding. Here’s how:

1. Soak seeds overnight before planting to help speed up germination.

2. Sow seeds about 5 mm deep in well-draining soil or seed trays.

3. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) during germination.

4. Thin seedlings to about 20 cm apart once established.

If starting indoors, transplant them to a larger container or garden bed once they reach 5–7 cm tall and have several true leaves.

Growing Parsley in Pots

Parsley grows beautifully in containers, making it ideal for patios, balconies, or windowsills.

• Choose a pot at least 20 cm deep

• Use premium potting mix with good drainage

• Water regularly and fertilise lightly every few weeks

• Keep in a spot with morning sun and light afternoon shade

Rotate the pot weekly to keep the plant growing evenly.

Sunlight and Soil Requirements

• Sunlight: Parsley prefers full sun to part shade. In hotter regions, provide some afternoon shade.

• Soil: A loamy, well-drained soil enriched with compost is ideal. Aim for a neutral pH (6.0–7.0).

Keep mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering and Feeding

Parsley needs consistent moisture but doesn’t like to sit in soggy soil.

• Water deeply 2–3 times a week (more often in hot weather)

• Let the top few centimetres of soil dry out between waterings

• Feed monthly with a balanced organic fertiliser or seaweed solution

If leaves start yellowing, it’s usually a sign of nutrient deficiency or overwatering.

Harvesting Parsley

You can start harvesting parsley once the plant has at least 3–4 sets of leaves.

• Cut outer leaves first, starting from the base

• Always leave the centre intact so the plant can continue growing

• Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth

Parsley is a biennial — in its second year, it may bolt (go to seed), especially in hot weather. You can collect seeds to replant or replace the plant with a new one.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Parsley is generally hardy, but a few issues can crop up:

• Leaf curl (not the good kind): Caused by aphids or nutrient imbalance. Spray with organic neem oil and feed appropriately.

• Bolting: Hot weather or overcrowding can trigger early flowering. Plant in partial shade and space plants well.

• Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Use companion planting with basil, tomatoes, or carrots to help repel pests and attract pollinators.

Best Companion Plants for Parsley

Parsley gets along with many vegetables and herbs. It’s especially helpful for:

• Tomatoes – Enhances flavour and deters pests

• Carrots – Parsley helps loosen the soil

• Onions and chives – Good neighbours with similar needs

Avoid planting parsley near lettuce, as it may cause stunted growth over time.

Products to Help You Grow Parsley at Home

Browse these essentials from our gardening store.

Final Thoughts

Parsley is a must-have in every Australian home garden. It’s easy to grow, great for cooking, and perfect for containers, garden beds, or windowsills. With a little care and the right setup, you’ll have fresh parsley at your fingertips for months to come.

Looking for more herb-growing tips? Explore the rest of our blog for guides on basil, coriander, mint, and more.