Parsley — A multipurpose plant

Parsley is a plant that appears to be very common yet has unique qualities that aren't known by people. This common herb derives its name from a Greek word meaning 'rock celery” and it is a member of the celery family. In warmer parts of the country it's a biennial which can self-seed. In Iowa it's treated as an annual unless brought inside for the winter.

There are two types of parsley, curly and flat leaved. Which type you choose to grow is personal preference. Both types provide an excellent source of vitamin C, A and folic acid, which is one of the vitamin Bs. The plant is also full of various antioxidants.

This nutritious herb is often used as a garnish on a dinner plate. The garnish is meant to be eaten at the end of the meal to neutralize breath odor.

Another reason to grow parsley is because it is a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly.

With all the benefits derived from parsley you will definitely want to have more than one plant for your summer enjoyment and still have enough for the butterflies. The best way to have an abundance of plants is to start the plants from seed. The most difficult task is to germinate the seeds. The task is not impossible if proper procedures are followed. The cover of the seed is very hard and needs to be softened in order to germinate. Parsley seeds also have a low and variable germination rate so plant the entire packet of seed to compensate for the low germination rate.

The first step is to wash the seeds in a pint of water with a drop of dish detergent. Shake the jar well, then let it sit for an hour. Rinse twice with lukewarm water. After rinsing, add warm water to the jar again and let the seeds soak overnight.

Drain the water off the seeds gently blot the seeds on a paper towel and plant one fourth inch deep in seed starting mix. The seeds may take from 10-28 days to germinate and will germinate irregularly. Be patient! An old legend says: 'that the seed has to go to the devil nine times and back before it will germinate.”

Place seeds in a sunny or bright location and keep moist. Seedlings can be transplanted into larger pots to be planted outdoors after frost. The plants can be planted directly into the ground or stay in pots. Parsley looks lovely in mixed flower arrangements.

Plant lots of parsley to increase the nutrients in your diet and to nurture the black swallowtail butterfly. And yes, now is the time to get started.

l For questions, call the Linn County Extension Master Gardener Hotline at (319) 447-0647.