Origins and Heritage: Tracing the Roots of 'Giant of Italy' Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) originates from the eastern Mediterranean (Greece, Morocco), it belongs to the Apiaceae family, alongside familiar vegetables like cumin and carrots. This leafy herb is a biennial, meaning the plant grows leaves in the first year and flowers in the second.
Robust and Zesty: Exploring the Flavor Profile of 'Giant of Italy' Parsley
'Giant of Italy' is a bushy variety with flat leaves that are easier to wash than its curly-leafed cousin. It boasts a stronger flavor than curly parsley, earthy with notes of lemon and pepper. This herb is a popular choice for sauces and can be used fresh or dried.
Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, Giant of Italy parsley is also high in essential oils.
Plant Care Tips
- Light: Full sun (6+ hours)
Soil: Prefers rich, loamy soil with a pH between 5.2 and 6. Ideal soil temperature is between 50 and 80°F. - Duration: Biennial in Zones 5-9. Grows leaves in the first year and flowers in the second, often reseeding itself.
- Pruning: Harvest from the outside in, removing older leaves. Avoid over-pruning (taking more than 1/3 of the plant at once).
- Days to Harvest: 65 days
Mature Size: 12-18" tall, 12-24" spread