Parsley is more than just a decorative garnish on the side of a dinner plate. It’s a flavorful, nutrient-rich herb that belongs in every home garden—and that includes gardens grown under a roof. If you’re wondering how to grow parsley from seed indoors, you’re in good company. Many home growers, especially those with limited outdoor space or seasonal constraints, are turning to indoor herb gardens as a practical and rewarding alternative.
Growing parsley indoors from seed isn’t difficult, but it does require a thoughtful approach. This guide explores every step of the process—from choosing the right variety to troubleshooting common issues—so you can enjoy a steady harvest of fresh, homegrown parsley all year round.
Why Grow Parsley Indoors?
Before getting into the specifics, it’s worth considering the benefits of indoor parsley cultivation:
-
Year-Round Access: No need to wait for spring. With a little artificial light and proper care, you can grow parsley any time of the year.
-
Pest Control: Indoor environments are less prone to the pests and diseases that often affect outdoor herbs.
-
Space Efficiency: Parsley doesn’t require much room. It thrives in containers, making it perfect for apartments or small homes.
-
Freshness at Your Fingertips: Having parsley within arm’s reach means you can snip what you need when you need it.
Choosing the Right Variety of Parsley
There are two main types of parsley commonly grown from seed:
-
Flat-Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum)
Often called Italian parsley, this variety has a stronger flavor and is favored by chefs. -
Curly-Leaf Parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. crispum)
With ruffled leaves, this type is milder and often used as a garnish. It’s also slightly more compact and decorative.
Both types grow well indoors, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Flat-leaf parsley tends to be easier to chop and has a more robust culinary presence.
What You’ll Need to Grow Parsley Indoors from Seed
Getting started requires only a few materials:
-
High-quality parsley seeds (preferably organic or untreated)
-
Seed-starting tray or small pots
-
Seed-starting mix (lightweight and well-draining)
-
Grow lights (LED or fluorescent)
-
Spray bottle or watering can with a gentle spout
-
Plastic dome or clear plastic wrap (to maintain humidity during germination)
-
Larger containers for transplanting (6 to 8 inches deep)
-
Fertilizer (organic, balanced or herb-specific)
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Parsley Indoors
1. Soak the Seeds
Parsley seeds have a tough outer shell, which can slow germination. To speed things up, soak the seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours before planting. This helps soften the seed coat and encourages quicker sprouting.
2. Prepare the Planting Medium
Fill your seed-starting tray or small pots with a pre-moistened, sterile seed-starting mix. Avoid using regular garden soil indoors, as it may harbor pests or pathogens.
Level the surface gently with your hand and make shallow indentations about 1/4 inch deep.
3. Plant the Seeds
Sprinkle two or three parsley seeds into each indentation and cover them lightly with soil. Gently press the surface to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Mist the soil surface lightly with water using a spray bottle. You want the medium damp but not waterlogged.
4. Cover and Maintain Warmth
Cover the tray or pots with a plastic dome or clear wrap to retain moisture. Place the setup in a warm area (ideally between 65–75°F) while the seeds germinate.
Keep in mind: parsley is notoriously slow to germinate. It can take anywhere from 14 to 28 days before you see green shoots. Be patient and don’t let the soil dry out during this time.
5. Provide Light After Germination
Once the seeds sprout, remove the cover and move the seedlings under grow lights. Parsley needs 12–14 hours of light per day for optimal growth. Place the light 4 to 6 inches above the plants and adjust as they grow.
If using a sunny windowsill instead, make sure it faces south and gets consistent sunlight throughout the day. Turn the pots regularly so the plants grow evenly.
Thinning and Transplanting
When seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them by snipping the weaker ones at the base, leaving the strongest seedling in each pot or cell.
Once they have at least two sets of true leaves and are a few inches tall, transplant them into larger containers. Choose pots with drainage holes and at least 6 inches of depth to accommodate their taproots.
Use a high-quality potting mix that retains moisture but drains well. Avoid compacted soil, as parsley roots like to breathe.
Watering and Feeding
Watering:
Parsley prefers evenly moist soil—not soggy and not bone dry. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
Use a watering can with a fine spout to avoid disturbing the roots or compacting the soil. Always empty saucers after watering to prevent root rot.
Feeding:
Feed indoor parsley once every 3–4 weeks with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer (such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract). Alternatively, use a slow-release organic fertilizer every two months.
Avoid overfeeding. Too much nitrogen can cause the plant to produce lush foliage but reduce its flavor intensity.
Pruning and Harvesting
The best part of growing parsley is harvesting it! But don’t go hacking at your plant randomly. Proper pruning encourages fuller growth.
-
Start harvesting when the plant has at least three mature leaf clusters.
-
Always cut the outer stems first, near the base of the plant.
-
Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Frequent harvesting actually helps the plant thrive, keeping it bushier and preventing it from bolting (going to seed).
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
1. Leggy Seedlings
This usually means the plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it closer to your grow lights or supplement natural light.
2. Yellowing Leaves
Overwatering or poor drainage is often the cause. Check your soil and container drainage holes.
3. Slow Growth
Parsley is a slow grower by nature, but insufficient light, depleted soil, or cold temperatures can slow it further.
4. Pests
While rare indoors, aphids or fungus gnats can appear. Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap to manage infestations.
Tips for Continued Indoor Growth
-
Rotate plants weekly to encourage even growth on all sides.
-
Snip regularly to encourage bushier growth.
-
Avoid drafts, especially cold winter air from windows or doors.
-
Refresh soil every 4–6 months or transplant to a fresh container to prevent nutrient depletion.
Can You Regrow Parsley from Cuttings?
Parsley doesn’t propagate as easily from cuttings as some herbs like basil or mint. While it’s possible, it’s not the most reliable method. Growing from seed gives you stronger, more resilient plants.
Indoor Parsley and Pollination
Since you’re growing parsley for its leaves, you don’t need to worry about pollination. However, if your parsley bolts and goes to seed, you can allow it to flower and save the seeds for next season.
Companion Herbs to Grow Indoors with Parsley
If you have space and adequate lighting, parsley pairs well with other herbs like:
-
Chives
-
Basil
-
Cilantro
-
Thyme
-
Oregano
Just make sure each herb has similar light and water needs. Avoid pairing with rosemary or sage, which prefer drier conditions.
Final Thoughts
Growing parsley from seed indoors is a satisfying endeavor that rewards you with fragrant, flavorful herbs all year long. While it requires some patience—especially during the germination phase—the ongoing care is minimal and the results are well worth the effort.
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast looking to elevate your cooking or a budding gardener eager to green up your living space, parsley is a practical, productive herb to start with. With consistent light, the right soil, and a little attention, you’ll be harvesting fresh parsley from your windowsill or countertop garden in no time.