Quck answer
To grow parsley from cuttings, follow these steps:
1. Choose a healthy parsley plant with strong stems and vibrant leaves.
2. Cut a stem about 4-6 inches long, just below a leaf node.
3. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
4. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to promote root growth.
5. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
6. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
7. Place the pot in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight.
8. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop.
9. Once the roots are established, transplant the cutting into a larger pot or garden bed.
10. Continue to care for the parsley plant by watering regularly and providing adequate sunlight.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow parsley from cuttings and enjoy fresh herbs in your garden or kitchen.
Parsley (​Petroselinum crispum​) is a biennial herb that is typically grown as an annual and is a popular ingredient in many dishes. Parsley can be grown from cuttings using various methods depending on whether you are using leafy stems or root scraps. There are three main varieties of parsley: flat-leafed or Italian parsley (​Petroselinum crispum​ var. ​neapolitanum​), curly-leafed parsley (​Petroselinum crispum​ var. ​crispum​), and Hamburg parsley (​Petroselinum crispum​ var. ​tuberosum​), which is primarily grown for its roots.
Growing Parsley
Parsley prefers cooler temperatures and should be sown in late winter or early spring if starting indoors. Transplant outside or sow seeds in the garden when the soil temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and air temperatures rise to 60 to 65 degrees. In warm climates, parsley can be planted in fall for a winter garden or early winter to late spring for a summer garden. Choose a well-draining, sunny or partially shaded location in the garden and dig in 2 to 4 inches of compost. Alternatively, fill flower pots with a loose, rich potting mix for container gardening. Soak the seeds overnight in warm water before sowing 1/4 inch deep and 6 to 8 inches apart. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate in five to six weeks.
Continue to water regularly and mulch around the plants to slow evaporation from the soil. Fertilize two to three times during the growing season with seaweed extracts, compost tea, or by side-dressing with compost.
Propagating Parsley from Cuttings
All three types of parsley can be propagated from cuttings, including precut bundles purchased from a grocery store. Use sterilized scissors to take a 3- to 5-inch-long cutting just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem. Put the stem in warm water in a jar or insert it into moist sand, perlite, or a combination of equal parts perlite and peat moss, making sure at least one node is beneath the water or growing medium. Hamburg parsley can also be propagated from kitchen scraps. When cutting up the root, leave 1/2 to 1 inch of the top and an equal amount of the foliage. Place the cut side down in 1/2 to 1 inch of water or plant in moist sand or potting soil. Place the parsley cutting in a sunny window and change the water every few days, or if you are growing it in soil, keep the mix evenly moist as the plant grows new roots and foliage. Harvest the new leaves as needed for cooking. Hamburg leaves are stronger flavored and bitter, so you might want to transplant the cutting outside to nourish black swallowtail and other caterpillars instead of using it in your food.
Harvesting and Storing Parsley
Harvest parsley by gathering a bunch and snipping the stems with a sharp knife or scissors. Always sterilize your cutting tools when working with plants by wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol.
To keep parsley fresh, rinse the leaves and place them in a jar of water with the stems. Store the jar in the fridge until ready to use. Another option is to dry the parsley by hanging the washed bunches in a warm location. Once dried, remove the leaves and store them in an opaque and airtight container. For drying and storage, Italian and curly-leafed parsley are better than Hamburg.
To harvest Hamburg, pull the roots from the soil, rinse them thoroughly, and enjoy them raw or cooked. The roots become sweeter after the first few frosts in fall, but it’s best not to let them flower and go to seed. Harvest the parsley roots in their first year, as they can become tough and bitter if left to grow into the second season. Parsley roots are ideal for soups and stews, or they can be roasted or sautГ©ed.
FAQ
1. Can parsley be grown from cuttings?
Yes, parsley can be grown from cuttings. The easiest way to propagate parsley is by taking cuttings from an existing plant. Choose a healthy parsley plant and cut a stem about 6 inches long from the base of the plant. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and place it in a glass of water. Make sure that at least two nodes are submerged in water. Change the water every few days to prevent rotting. After a few weeks, the parsley stem will develop roots. Once the roots are about 2 inches long, you can transplant the cutting into a pot or directly into the garden.
2. What is the best time to take parsley cuttings?
The best time to take parsley cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. During this time, the parsley plant is full of nutrients and energy, which increases the chances of successful propagation. Choose a healthy-looking parsley plant that has plenty of new growth. Avoid taking cuttings from plants that are flowering or bolting, as they may have reduced vigor and may not root as easily. It is also important to take cuttings in the morning when the plant is well-hydrated, as this will increase the chances of successful rooting.
3. How long does it take for parsley cuttings to root?
The time it takes for parsley cuttings to root can vary, but it usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks for the roots to develop. During this time, it is important to keep the cuttings in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Change the water every few days and make sure that the cuttings are well-hydrated. Once the parsley cuttings have developed roots that are about 2 inches long, they can be transplanted into a pot or directly into the garden. It is important to handle the cuttings with care when transplanting to avoid damaging the delicate roots.