Parsley is one of the most popular herbs. Whether you can grow your own parsley successfully depends on the classification of your seed in light or dark germs.

In a nutshell

  • Differentiation when sowing seeds between light and dark germinators
  • Light germinators need direct light to grow and are sown on the soil surface
  • Dark germs prefer short-wave light and are planted in the ground
  • Parsley belongs to the group of dark germs

What are light germs?

Light germinators are plants whose seeds require direct, high-intensity light to germinate successfully. Light germs can be identified by the following characteristics:

  • very small and light seeds
  • direct sowing of the seeds on the surface of the earth
  • Seed is not or only slightly covered with soil
  • The covering layer of soil must not exceed the size of the seed
  • Examples of light-germinating plants: basil, dill, garden cress
Basil is a light germinator.

notice: When sowing, the seeds of light germinators should be lightly pressed onto moistened soil, otherwise the seeds can easily be washed away by irrigation water or in the rain.

What are dark germs?

Dark germs are plants whose seeds only germinate in sufficient darkness. In contrast to light germinators, direct light radiation has a growth-inhibiting effect on dark germinators, the seeds need short-wave, blue light. The seeds of dark germs are characterized by the following characteristics:

  • large and thick seeds
  • Cover the seed with a layer of soil
  • layer of soil is about two to three times as thick as the seed is large
  • Examples of dark germs: lamb's lettuce, cucumber, chives
Chives are a typical dark germ.

Parsley - light germinator or dark germinator?

Biologically, parsley belongs to the group of dark germs. Your seeds should therefore be covered with a thick layer of soil when sowing. Ideally, the seed is sown in loose, humus-rich soil in a bright spot that is protected from direct sunlight. Plants grow slower in semi-shade.

Parsley is a classic dark germ.

tip: Plant the seeds of the parsley about 1.5 cm; maximum but 3 cm deep in the ground.

frequently asked Questions

Are there plants that do not need light or darkness to sow successfully?

Yes, in addition to light and dark germs, there are also light-neutral germs that do not make any specific demands on the light conditions. Sunflowers are one of them.

When can parsley be sown?

Parsley can be grown in pots from February to August, outdoors parsley can be sown as soon as temperatures are constantly above eight degrees Celsius, which corresponds to around March/April.

How long does parsley take to sprout?

The germination period of parsley is between 15 and 25 days.

Category:

Vegetable garden