Picking the right parsley companion plants can make all the difference to the growth and flavor of your parsley. Parsley is a versatile herb that can add fresh flavor to various dishes. It’s easy to grow and makes a great addition to the garden, adding a pop of green.
Consider growing parsley to enjoy in culinary creations and as a companion plant for other herbs and vegetables in your garden.
In this article, I’ll discuss the best and worst parsley companion planting options, as well as some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of growing parsley in your garden.
Summary of How to Grow Parsley
Before I dive into the best and worst parsley companion plants, let’s take a quick look at how to grow parsley.
Parsley is best grown in cool conditions and can be planted in either full sun or part shade. It prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Parsley seeds are slow to germinate (taking up to 6 weeks) so it’s important to be patient when waiting for them to sprout.
Once parsley seeds have sprouted, it’s necessary to thin the plants out to a distance of 20-25cm. Doing this gives each plant enough room to grow and develop properly.
Parsley leaves can be harvested after about 14 weeks, and it’s important to harvest/prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
Best Conditions for Growing Parsley
| Best Climate | Cool conditions. Parsley prefers moderate conditions. It won’t grow in climates where it’s too cold or too hot. It hates extreme heat and frost. |
| Plant Spacing | 20-25cm |
| Planting Depth | 1/4 inch (6mm) |
| Time till Harvest | 14 weeks |
| Position | Full-sun or part shade |
| Life cycle | Biennial – Parsley grows into a plant the first year then the following year flowers and sets seeds |
Best Parsley Companion Plants
Now that you know how to grow parsley, read on to learn more about which plants are suitable for parsley companion planting. Companion planting is a great natural way to minimize parsley pests.
These parsley companion plants passed our growing tests with flying colors!
Tomatoes
Looking for a natural pest deterrent for your parsley? Look no further than its perfect companion, the humble tomato.
Companion planting parsley with tomatoes not only repels pests like aphids and spider mites but also provides optimal growing conditions for both. Boost your garden’s health and beauty with this simple but powerful pairing.
Peppers
Want to protect your parsley from pesky insects and boost its growth at the same time? Check out the powerful pairing of peppers and parsley!
Peppers and parsley companion planting make natural pest repellents, keeping harmful insects at bay while providing optimal growing conditions for each other. Spice up your garden with this dynamic duo and watch your parsley flourish!
Carrots
Looking for a gardening power couple? Carrots and parsley are a match made in heaven! Not only do they thrive under similar growing conditions, but carrots also have a secret talent: they help to loosen the soil around parsley, making it easier for this flavorful herb to flourish.
So why settle for a single vegetable when you can have a dynamic duo in your garden? Add a complimentary duo to your garden with carrot and parsley companion planting.
Asparagus
Companion planting parsley and asparagus can help to repel pests that may be attracted to parsley. Not only do they make great gardening companions, but they also have similar soil needs and growing preferences. By planting them together, you’ll not only enjoy a bountiful harvest but also ward off unwanted visitors.
So why not give this dynamic duo a try and see the benefits for yourself?
Chives
Did you know that companion planting parsley and chives can do more than just improve each other’s flavor?
These two herbs actually work together to repel insects that can damage both plants. Chives release a strong aroma that repels aphids and other pests, while parsley attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control harmful insects.
Spinach
Companion planting parsley and spinach is an excellent strategy as they both thrive in similar growing conditions. Furthermore, planting spinach alongside parsley can provide shade to the delicate parsley plant, helping to maintain the soil’s moisture and coolness.
This symbiotic relationship not only benefits the plants but also improves the overall health of the garden by promoting natural pest control and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Incorporating this companion planting technique can lead to a more bountiful and thriving garden.
Worst Parsley Companion Plants
While there are countless great parsley companion plants, there are also some plants that you should avoid planting next to parsley.
Mint
When planning your herb garden, it’s essential to keep in mind that mint and parsley are not suitable companions. Mint is known for its rapid spreading ability and can easily overtake the garden, leaving little room for other plants to grow. Additionally, mint releases chemicals that can be detrimental to parsley’s growth, making it challenging for the herb to flourish.
Learn more about the best companion plants for mint.
Fennel
Fennel and parsley should not be planted together, as fennel can attract pests that can damage parsley. In particular, fennel attracts aphids, which can harm parsley plants. Furthermore, planting fennel and parsley near each other can affect the taste of the parsley, as the flavor of fennel can be absorbed by nearby plants.
Dill
While dill and parsley are often used together in recipes, they should not be planted together in the garden. This is because dill can attract pests that can damage parsley.
Coriander
Coriander and parsley are not good companions because they have different soil requirements and can compete for nutrients. Moreover, coriander and parsley may cross-pollinate and produce seeds that result in an undesirable hybrid plant.
FAQs: Parsley Companion Planting
What can I do with bolted overgrown parsley plants?
If your parsley has bolted and is overgrown, you can still use the leaves and stems for cooking or making tea. However, the flavor may be more bitter and intense than younger parsley plants.
Are parsley and dill companion plants?
No, parsley and dill are not good companions because they are both in the same family (Apiaceae) and can cross-pollinate, resulting in odd flavors in both plants.
When do I harvest parsley?
Parsley can be harvested when the leaves are large enough to use, usually around 10-12 weeks after planting. It’s best to harvest in the morning when the leaves are at their freshest.
Will parsley come back every year?
Technically speaking, parsley is a biennial herb. This means it grows harvestable leaves in its first year, then seeds in the second year by flowering.
A lot of gardeners who want a continuous supply of parsley, discard the plant every year, or stagger planting so there’s always a parsley plant seeding and a plant growing for harvest.
Final Words on Parsley Companion Plants
As you can see, there are several great parsley companion plants to choose from. Remember to give parsley plenty of room to grow, and to prune or harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
With a little bit of patience and care, you’ll soon be enjoying a bountiful harvest of fresh, fragrant parsley that will enhance the flavor of your cooking and provide you with a range of health benefits.
Herb & Vegetable Companion Planting Guides
About the Author
Elle Reed is a passionate gardener and advocate for teaching beginner gardeners how to grow their own food. Elle’s mission is to inspire and empower people to get back to basics, grow their own produce, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle. “Whether it’s a few herb pots in an apartment, a potager or a full garden plot, we can all ‘start somewhere’ to grow our own food, and in doing so, provide healthier food for ourselves and those we love”.
