With leaf parsley, a distinction is made between curly and smooth varieties. We introduce you to the best varieties for growing in the garden and in pots.
Parsley is one of the most popular kitchen herbs in Germany and has been on our menu since the Middle Ages. There are now a wide variety of varieties that differ in appearance and taste.
Parsley Varieties: Flat-leaf and Curly parsley
For leaf parsley (Petroselium crispum ssp. crispum), first of all, the main distinguishing feature is the leaf. If it is finely curled, it is a 'Mooskrause' type; if it is smooth, it belongs to the 'plain' parsley varieties. In the Middle Ages, monks cultivated curly parsley so that it could be more easily separated from the poisonous dog parsley (Aethusa cynapium) can be distinguished. The most significant difference between flat and curly parsley is the expression of the aroma. In contrast to its curly siblings, flat-leaf or ‘plain’ parsley has significantly more aroma and flavor. When growing and the
Caring for parsley However, the two leaf types do not differ.The best varieties of parsley to grow
Compared to other herbs, leaf parsley shows little variation within its variety. The Japanese parsley (Cryptoptaenia japonica), also called Mitsuba, is only distantly related to leaf parsley, but is used in the same way. This parsley comes up with green to deep red and significantly larger leaves than our native parsley, and should not go unmentioned here. Below we highlight the best flat leaf, curly, and Japanese parsley varieties for growing at home in beds or pots.
- ’Simple Section 2’: The striking dark green foliage of this flat leaf parsley stands on sturdy stalks. The plants are not only very robust, but also exceptionally aromatic.
- ’Giants d'Italia’ is a smooth Italian parsley variety with a strong aroma and fast growth. It reaches a height of 30 to 50 centimeters and can be harvested all year round.
- ’Giants of Naples’ is an early variety that can be harvested just a few weeks after sowing and has smooth, very large, dark green foliage. Its intense taste is ideal for pesto and green sauce.
- ’Afrodite’ is a particularly aromatic moss ruff that produces numerous leaves on short stems. The compact parsley variety can also be cultivated very well in pots.
- ’Green Pearl’ is a high-yielding curly parsley that can be harvested even after overwintering before flowering. The densely filled and strongly stalked leaves of these moss ruffs are characteristic.
- ’Moss Ruff 2 & Periwinkle’ forms dense, curly leaves that hardly tend to yellow when stressed. This curly parsley forms strong, short stalks.
- ’Riccio Verde’ has a particularly compact habit. The moss curled parsley is early to mid-ripening and has dark green, heavily curled leaves.
Mitsuba (Cryptotaenia japonica) means “three leaves” in German and describes this Japanese parsley very well. The leaves are significantly larger than leaf parsley and have a taste reminiscent of chervil, celery and cloves.
- Mitsuba 'Bronze' is a deep red to bronze colored variety of Japanese parsley. It is hardy and perennial, can be used with the stems and is best chopped and sprinkled over all kinds of dishes.
- Mitsuba 'Purpurascens' has deep red foliage and is therefore a special ornament in pots and beds.
tip: The variety 'Gigante d'Italia' is also in ours Plantura herb growing set contain. Together with chives, mint and two types of basil, you can easily create your own herb garden.
Have you chosen a strain for growing in the home garden or on the balcony? In our article on Growing Parsley Find out everything about the location, sowing, harvesting and storage of the popular herb.
