(Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) 78 days. [Introduced by 1807.] Plain in appearance but fancy in taste, this celery-leaf variety is the best-flavored variety. Excellent for dried parsley. Good greenhouse variety, as aphid control is easier due to its wide straight leaves. Less cold-hardy than curly types.
How to Grow:
Parsley seed germinates very slowly, requiring 3-4 weeks. Sow seeds in early spring directly into garden, 1/4” deep, and thin to 6-12”. Keep well watered. Soaking seed in water for 24 hours will speed germination. Mark location with radish seed. (Fast germination procedure: Plant seed in a small flat of soil or planting medium. Place flat in a zip-lock bag, and freeze for 12-24 hours. Remove from freezer and keep moist until seed begins to germinate.) Requires full sun.
Seed Savers: Isolate by a minimum of 1/4 mile for home use. For pure seed isolate by 1/2 to 1 mile.
Packet: 2 g (approx. 900-1350 seeds, depending on variety) sows 35-70’.
Dark Green Italian Parsley
Source: Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Photo Credit: Southern Exposure Seed Exchange