Growing parsley microgreens is extremely rewarding. These tasty microgreens are easy to grow. However, these microgreens take a little longer to be ready to harvest than other microgreens, but they are worth the wait.
Parsley microgreens are filled with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The antioxidants in parsley microgreens rid the body of dangerous free radicals that cause cellular damage.
Parsley microgreens can be incorporated into almost any dish; however, they really shine in Italian dishes. They can also be used in salads, on sandwiches, or as an edible garnish.
Our parsley microgreen profile provides you with the information you need to successfully grow micro parsley at home. This easy-to-ready table includes information on the flavor of parsley microgreens and how long it takes to germinate micro parsley. Finally, you will learn how long it takes for your parsley microgreens to be ready to harvest.
| Attribute | Profile |
| Flavor | Parsley microgreens have a sweet, mild flavor. The delicate flavor of parsley pairs wonderfully with tomato-based sauces. |
| Pre-Soak (Yes/No) | Yes – Parsley microgreen seeds should be soaked between 4 and 8 hours. |
| Color | Micro parsley has green leaves atop delicate white stems. |
| Germination Time | On average, it takes between 7 and 10 days for your microgreens to fully germinate. |
| Harvest Time | Your parsley microgreens will be ready for harvest in 25 to 30 days. |
| Green Thumb Level (1-5) | 3 – Parsley microgreens have a longer germination and harvest time than other microgreens. |
If you have never grown herb microgreens, you probably have some questions. We have gathered the most commonly asked questions and provided you with the answers that you need.
No – Parsley microgreens are like most other kinds of microgreens will not regrow after you have harvested your parsley microgreens. Once you have harvested the microgreens, compost the roots growing medium, and start a new tray of parsley microgreens.
Parsley microgreens are considered slow-growing microgreens. On average, it will take a week to two weeks for your parsley microgreens to germinate. Then, it will take 25 to 30 days for your parsley to be ready to harvest.
Parsley microgreens can be used just like any other microgreen. It can be used as an edible garnish. It can be added to your favorite microgreen salad, included in Italian dishes, or added to soups and stews.
Parsley contains many disease-preventing nutrients like antioxidants. Parsley is loaded with vitamins and minerals shown to enhance immunity, reduce the risk of disease, and strengthen bones.
You will need several pieces of equipment for parsley microgreen growing. You can expect to spend two to three hundred dollars purchasing the necessary equipment; however, you may already have some of the pieces of equipment needed for growing parsley microgreens. Although there are other microgreen growing methods, we recommend using the following items to help ensure your success.
A Deluxe Microgreen Starter Kit from True Leaf Market will provide you with the equipment you will need to begin growing micro parsley. This deluxe kit comes with grow trays, a sample of growing medium, a misting bottle, and a variety of seeds to get you started. In addition to this starter kit, we recommend purchasing the optional equipment listed below.
If you prefer, you can purchase individual pieces of equipment. The following list of equipment will help ensure the success of growing parsley microgreens.
Parsley microgreen seeds should be soaked for 4 to 8 hours before you plant them. A mason jar with a screw-top lid allows you to soak your parsley microgreen seeds easily. Then, when it is time to plant your seeds, unscrew the lid and drain the water. Then, place your parsley microgreen seeds on a paper towel.
When it comes to growing mediums, there are several options available, including coco coir and seed starting growing medium. We recommend using coconut coir as your growing medium as it provides you with several benefits not experienced with other growing mediums.
Coconut coir is a growing medium made from pulverized coconut husks. This renewable growing medium is pH neutral. Coco coir is a fine-grained, soilless growing medium that drains well, making it the preferred choice for microgreen gardening.
A seed starting soilless growing medium contains extra nutrients designed to optimize growth. Because microgreens are harvested soon after germination, the extra nutrients are unnecessary as the microgreen seeds have everything the microgreen plant needs to thrive.
You will need three trays for your parsley microgreens. You will want two trays without drainage holes and one tray with drainage holes. When shopping for microgreen growing trays, we recommend purchasing 10-inch by 20-inch growing trays as this will provide you with an ample amount of microgreens.
You will need to purchase one tray with drainage holes for every tray of parsley microgreens you wish to grow. This tray will be used to hold your growing medium and your parsley microgreen seeds. The drainage holes allow you to water your microgreens without fear of overwatering your microgreens. Furthermore, a growing tray with drainage holes lets you bottom water for optimal growth and development.
The two trays without drainage holes will be used in two different ways. One tray will be used as a blackout dome during the parsley microgreen's germination process. The other tray will be used to water your parsley microgreens from the bottom up.
A misting bottle allows you to gently water your parsley microgreens without worrying about disturbing your microgreen seeds. Additionally, the fine mist will not damage the delicate microgreen roots.
Full-spectrum LED grow lights provide your parsley microgreens with the light they need to flourish. This light also ensures even growth across the entire grow tray. LED grow lights should be placed directly above your microgreens.
Although a grow light is considered an optional piece of equipment, we recommend every grower invest in full-spectrum LED lights to ensure a bountiful harvest. Because parsley microgreens need both light and darkness, you must turn your grow lights on and off. You can automate this process by using a simple timer.
Once your microgreen seeds have been planted, you should place your microgreens on a heat mat. A heat mat ensures your parsley microgreen seeds are kept at the optimal soil temperature throughout the germination process. A heat mat helps maximize the germination rate of your parsley microgreens.
A planter's rack allows you to grow multiple trays of microgreens in a small amount of space. The multiple shelves provide a place for trays of microgreens. Furthermore, the planter's rack has areas for you to attach grow lights and circulation fans to maximize your harvest.
Circulation fans increase the airflow around the parsley microgreen plants. Because microgreens are planted extremely close together, the risk of soilborne disease increases. Using circulation fans helps minimize the risk of developing mold and other issues that often plague microgreens.
There are several different parsley microgreen seed options. Each parsley microgreen has unique characteristics that should be considered.
Mountain Valley Seed Company's parsley microgreen seeds are non-GMO seeds that are open-pollinated. The saw-tooth leaves and intense parsley flavor make it a favorite among microgreen growers. On average, the seeds are ready to harvest in about 21+ days.
Plain or Single Parsley Microgreen Seeds
Mountain Valley Seed Company's plain or single parsley microgreen seeds feature dark green smooth leaves and pale green and white stems. These non-GMO parsley microgreen seeds are ready for harvest in about three weeks. The flavorful microgreens have a bold, parsley flavor loved by so many.
Triple Moss Curled Parsley Microgreen Seeds
Mountain Valley Seed Company's Triple Moss Curled Parsley microgreen seeds are heirloom, non-GMO seeds. This microgreen has a great parsley flavor and beautiful leaves. The clover-like green leaf on white stems is one of the favorite parsley microgreens on the market. On average, Triple Moss Curled Parsley microgreens will be ready for harvest in about 21+ days.
Dark Green Italian Flat Leaf Parsley Microgreen Seeds
Mountain Valley Seed Company's Dark Green Italian Flat Leaf microgreens feature beautiful green flat leaves on white stems. These heirloom, non-GMO parsley microgreen seeds pack a lot of flavor in a small bite. You can expect to harvest these parsley microgreen seeds in 21+ days.
Parsley microgreens are easy to grow when our detailed instructions are followed. The following step-by-step directions will ensure your growing success of parsley microgreens. Gather your parsley microgreen growing supplies and get ready to enjoy delectable parsley microgreens.
The first thing you want to do is prepare your growing trays for planting. Grab the tray with drainage holes and fill with growing medium, ensuring the medium extends to the corners of the tray. Once full, press the coco coir down to compact it using either your hands or a flat piece of cardboard. You want the growing medium to be approximately one-fourth of an inch below the rim of your grow tray. If necessary, add more soil and compact it until it reaches the correct level.
Once you have filled your microgreen tray, you will want to ensure your growing medium is adequately moistened. There are a couple of methods that you can use to moisten the prepared coco coir. You can place your grow tray with drainage holes in one inch of water in your sink, or you can wet the soil with your misting bottle.
If you will be placing your microgreen tray in a sink. Use cool, not cold water. Place the tray in the sink, ensuring the water does not go over the top of the tray. Allow the tray to remain in the water for about 45 minutes. During this time, your coconut coir will draw up the water it needs.
If, on the other hand, you want to use a misting bottle to moisten your coco coir, spray water across the entire surface of the growing medium. Allow the soil to absorb the water. Then spray again and rest, repeating the process a total of four to five times.
When your coco coir is thoroughly moistened, it is time to move to the next step – planting parsley microgreen seeds.
You will need approximately one ounce of parsley microgreen seed for every 10-inch by 20-inch microgreen tray. Your parsley microgreen seeds will need to be soaked in warm water for 4 to 8 hours. Place your seeds in your mason jar and add enough water to cover the seeds. Screw the lid on light and set it aside. Once you have soaked your seeds, drain off the excess water and place your soaked seeds on a paper towel.
Once your trays are prepared and your microgreen seeds have soaked, it is time for planting. Space the seeds evenly across the entire surface of your microgreen growing tray.
Then, apply a thin layer of growing medium to the top of the seeds. It should only take a couple of handfuls of coco coir to cover your seeds. Gently press down on the seeds and soil to ensure the parsley seeds are seated in the soil.
You will need to dampen the sewn seeds and freshly added soil. Mist the entire surface of your growing tray with your misting bottle. It should only take about four sprays to thoroughly water the surface.
Once you have done this, place your prepared tray inside one of the trays without drainage holes. This setup will allow you to water your microgreens from the bottom.
When a seed is planted in the ground, it is covered with soil and tamped down. This prevents light from reaching the seed and provides constant pressure to help ensure proper germination. Because microgreens are grown in trays, we must mimic this using an inverted tray and a weight.
Place a grow tray without drainage holes atop your parsley microgreen seeds. The tray should be inverted so the top of the tray is pressed firmly against the growing medium to help block all light.
To mimic the pressure, you will need to place a brick, weight, heavy stone, or heavy book on top of the growing tray. Many new microgreen growers find this part of the process concerning; however, the weight will not damage your microgreens. In fact, the weight will help your microgreens develop a root system for stronger, healthier parsley microgreens.
Once you have done all of the above steps, it is time to place your trays on your heat mat. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
On average, it will take 7 to 10 days for your parsley microgreens to germinate. A tray of microgreens is considered fully germinated when 90 percent of the seeds have germinated.
Throughout the germination process, you will want to check the moisture level of the soil daily. The soil should feel damp to the touch. If the soil starts drying out, remove the inverted lid, mist the surface with your misting bottle. Then, replace the tray and weight.
After your parsley microgreens have fully germinated, it is time to remove the lid, turn off the heating mat, and place your microgreens under your grow lights. You should place your grow lights 8 to 12 inches above your parsley microgreens.
When you first remove the inverted tray, your microgreen may appear weak, white, and crooked. Don't worry, once you place your parsley microgreens under LED grow lights, the microgreens will begin to develop a beautiful green color, and the stems will begin to harden off and straighten.
Your parsley microgreens will need around 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness. Set your timer so your parsley microgreens are receiving the recommended amount of light and darkness.
Throughout the growing process, you need to ensure your microgreens are adequately watered. Feel the moisture level of the soil daily. If your microgreens dry out, they can wilt and die. Conversely, if your microgreens are overwatered, the risk of disease and mold increases. If needed, water your soil using the bottom watering method.
If your parsley microgreens need watered lift the tray with your microgreens and add approximately one cup of cool, not cold water to the bottom tray. Then, place the tray with your microgreens back inside the tray. All the growing medium to slowly soak up the water for an hour. If, after an hour, any water remains, pour it out and return to the grow lights.
Circulation is key to healthy microgreen growth. Using circulation fans increases the airflow around the plants, thus reducing the risk of mold, mildew, and other soilborne diseases.
Circulation fans should be attached to the side of the planting rack. When attaching these fans, make sure the air blows across the tops of the microgreens rather than along the growing medium surface. If the air blows across the surface soil, the soil will dry out too quickly.
Your parsley microgreens will be ready for harvest in about 3 weeks. When the cotyledons are fully developed, and the first set of true leaves begin forming, your parsley microgreens are ready for harvest.
Knowing when you should harvest your microgreens is an art rather than a science. You will need to begin tasting your parsley microgreens daily once the cotyledons have developed and the first set of true leave begin to develop.
When your microgreens taste great, refrain from watering your microgreens for 12 hours. This will ensure your microgreens are crisp and remain fresh for a longer period of time.
Once your parsley microgreens are ready to harvest, you only need a few things including a couple of clean, dry paper towels and a sharp knife or a sharp pair of scissors. You want everything to be dry as possible while harvesting your microgreens as any moisture will reduce your parsley microgreen's lifespan.
Place the paper towels on a plate or directly on your countertop. Grasp the parsley microgreens in one hand and then swiftly cut the parsley microgreens about an eighth of an inch above the surface of your growing medium. Work as quickly as possible to reduce air exposure. Air exposure decreases the storage time of your microgreens.
If you will be eating your parsley microgreens immediately, plunge the freshly harvested microgreens in cool, not cold water. Swirl gently, then remove and place on a paper towel to dry.
If you will be storing your parsley microgreens, continue to the next step.
The following instructions maximize the storage time of parsley microgreens. You will need either an airtight storage bag or an airtight storage container as well as a clean, dry paper towel.
Gather your freshly harvested parsley microgreens together and loosely wrap them in a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb any moisture to help extend the freshness of your parsley microgreens.
Place the wrapped microgreens in your storage container or storage bag and seal. Place the sealed storage container or storage bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Make sure your refrigerator temperature is between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. When your parsley microgreens are properly harvested and stored, they will remain fresh for about a week to a week and a half in the refrigerator.
When you are ready to eat them, you will need to wash your parsley microgreens. Fill a bowl or container with cool, not cold water. Place your microgreens in the water and give them a swirl. Remove them from the water and place them in a single layer on a paper towel to dry.
Parsley is a wonderful microgreen to begin growing. The delicate flavor of parsley is delicious in microgreen salads, Italian dishes, and soups. Additionally, parsley microgreens make beautiful edible garnishes.
Patience is needed when growing parsley microgreens; however, they are easy microgreens to grow and use. Many new microgreen growers find that parsley microgreens are worth the wait.
