Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is one of the classic kitchen herbs, whether curly or leaf parsley. It is aromatic and versatile. However, there are often problems with germination, as the parsley makes some demands on germination time and germination temperature.

In a nutshell

  • Petroselinum crispum germinates very slowly
  • not all seeds germinate well
  • Seed should not be too old
  • Germination dependent on seed, location, soil conditions and soil temperature

Dark germ parsley

Basically, all plants need light to germinate. The difference is in the intensity. In contrast to many other herbs, parsley is one of the so-called dark germs. The seeds must therefore always be kept dark. If you don't sow them deep enough, they will germinate more slowly. They react to long-wave, i.e. low-energy light that can penetrate thinner layers of soil. On the other hand, short-wave (high-energy) light would inhibit germination.

Tip: The seeds used should not be more than two years old, because parsley seeds remain germinable for about two years. Even optimal storage at 10-14 degrees does not change anything.

Parsley Seeds

Best germination time & germination time

All seeds, including those of Petroselinum crispum, need a certain amount of time to germinate. Early parsley sowings germinate very slowly and irregularly, as they are hampered by cold, wet and crusted soil.

  • the colder the soil, the longer the germination process
  • Spring seed takes about four to six weeks to germinate
  • sometimes even longer
  • not every seed is germinable
  • later sowings in August germinate much better
  • the warmer the soil, the shorter the germination time
  • Germination then usually within two weeks

A germination time of 21-28 days is generally assumed. The crop rotation also plays a role, because parsley is incompatible with itself and other umbellifers. As a result, you should only sow them every four to five years in the same location.

germination temperature

The germination temperature for parsley always refers to the soil or the substrate and not to the ambient temperature. Parsley seed usually germinates at a temperature of around three degrees. However, it then takes three to four times as much time as usual. The seeds can germinate, but due to the long time they have been in the ground there is a risk of rotting, mold formation and damage as well as fungal infestation and bacteria.

  • Ground temperature at least eight degrees warm
  • Germination time then about eight weeks
  • Allow seeds to germinate if necessary
  • optimal germination temperature is 20-25 degrees
  • at temperatures around 12 degrees, about 25 days until germination
  • at 20 degrees about 12 days

If the ideal temperature is only exceeded by two to three degrees, this can impair germination and delay germination by days. If it falls significantly below, the seeds can die.

Tip: The most important thing when germinating parsley indoors is moisture and the right germination temperature. The seeds are only pre-germinated until the outer seed coat has broken open and a small germ can be seen.

frequently asked Questions

When does a preculture make sense?

It makes sense because parsley germinates very slowly, especially when sowing early. They are most at risk due to the still unfavorable conditions. There is a risk that without appropriate preparation they will germinate poorly or not at all. In addition, you can achieve a growth advantage of up to five weeks with a preculture.

How to Prep Parsley Seeds?

To do this, you first let them soak in a glass of warm water for a few hours. They are then spread on potting soil and covered with soil one to two centimeters thick. The whole thing is then placed on the window sill. At 20 degrees, the seeds germinate in about 14 days.

Why is there no germination?

The causes can be an unfavorable location, exhausted, waterlogged or too cold soil, fungal diseases in the soil or non-compliance with crop rotation. Poor quality seeds can also be to blame. It is best to sow seeds in different locations. This increases the likelihood of a good spot being included.

Category:

Vegetable garden