Fertilizer for Parsley: NPK Guide and Application Rates
Parsley is a biennial herb grown as an annual for its vitamin-rich, dark green leaves. It is a moderate feeder that responds well to nitrogen, producing denser, more flavorful foliage with consistent feeding. Parsley is notoriously slow to germinate (14-28 days), so patience at seeding time is essential.
Quick Reference
What NPK Ratio is Best for Parsley?
The recommended NPK ratio for parsley is 10-10-10. A balanced 10-10-10 feeds all three macronutrients equally, which works well when soil tests show no single deficiency.
Parsley NPK needs shift at each growth stage. Balanced feed for slow-germinating seedlings during the Seedling phase, then reduce feeding; parsley bolts in its second year and leaves turn bitter once flowering begins.
NPK by Growth Stage for Parsley
| Growth Stage | NPK Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling | 10N 10P 10K N 10% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth P 10% Phosphorus: roots and flowers K 10% Potassium: health and disease resistance Learn more about NPK | Balanced feed for slow-germinating seedlings |
| Vegetative | 15N 5P 5K N 15% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth P 5% Phosphorus: roots and flowers K 5% Potassium: health and disease resistance Learn more about NPK | Nitrogen for dense, dark green leaf production |
| Flowering | 5N 5P 5K N 5% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth P 5% Phosphorus: roots and flowers K 5% Potassium: health and disease resistance Learn more about NPK | Reduce feeding; parsley bolts in its second year and leaves turn bitter |
| Fruiting | 0N 0P 0K N 0% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth P 0% Phosphorus: roots and flowers K 0% Potassium: health and disease resistance Learn more about NPK | Replace bolting parsley with new plants |
When Should You Fertilize Parsley?
In zone 3, start fertilizing parsley in May. In zone 10, begin as early as January. Apply every 4 weeks through the growing season.
Which Zones Can Grow Parsley?
Parsley grows in USDA zones 3 through 10, spanning a 8-zone range.
Fertilization Start by Zone
| Zone | Start Month |
|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May |
| Zone 4 | April |
| Zone 5 | April |
| Zone 6 | March |
| Zone 7 | March |
| Zone 8 | February |
| Zone 9 | January |
| Zone 10 | January |
What Are the Best Fertilizer Products for Parsley?
Look for products with an NPK close to 10-10-10. Espoma Garden-tone is the most popular choice among home gardeners for parsley.
- Espoma Garden-tone
- Neptune's Harvest Fish Fertilizer
- Dr. Earth Herb Fertilizer
Prices vary by retailer and region. Check current pricing before purchasing.
Container and Raised Bed Adjustments for Parsley
Container parsley benefits from biweekly liquid feeding with nitrogen-rich fertilizer; needs deep pots for its taproot
Common Fertilizing Mistakes with Parsley
- Giving up on seeds that have not germinated; parsley takes 2-4 weeks to sprout
- Not replanting in the second year when parsley inevitably bolts and turns bitter
- Yellow leaves usually indicate nitrogen deficiency rather than overwatering
Tips for Fertilizing Parsley
- Soak seeds overnight before planting to speed up the notoriously slow germination (14-28 days)
- Feed with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4 weeks for the darkest, most flavorful leaves
- Parsley is biennial; it will bolt and turn bitter in its second year, so replant annually
Organic Fertilizer Alternatives for Parsley
Sources
Source:Clemson HGIC - HerbsLast updated: