Root parsley(Petroselinum crispum) is one of the most popular vegetables in Polish cuisine. Parsley root is extremely aromatic and, moreover, rich in nutrients. We advise howparsley cultivationshould be carried out in the garden, as well as whichvarieties of parsleyshould be chosen for cultivation on the plot. See how to cultivate the root parsley to get the highest possible yield: -)
Root parsley
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Root parsley - properties
All parts of the root parsley emit essential oil which gives it its specific flavor and aroma. This oil stimulates our digestive system and also has healing properties.Root parsley contains a lot of vitamin C and calcium , magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Parsley root is part of the greens, which means that parsley belongs to the group of seasoning vegetables - it improves the taste and aroma of dishes.
In addition to the root, parsley is extremely valuableIt is enough to consume only 30 g of parsley a day to meet the body's daily requirement for vitamin C. Parsley root is suitable for consumption, although of course, if you want to get the leaves alone, it will be better to use leaf parsley.
Root parsley - growing in the garden
1. Soil requirements for parsley root
For the cultivation of root parsley, fertile, sandy loam soil with a high content of humus is best suited.The pH of the soil should be neutral or slightly acidic. The optimum soil pH for parsley is 6.5. Acid, rocky, heavy, waterlogged and easily crusted soils are not suitable for the cultivation of parsley. In such a medium, parsley grows poorly and often has forked roots.
2. Climatic requirements of parsley root
Root parsley is a plant of a temperate climate. It is a low temperature resistant vegetable. It tolerates frosts relatively well down to -9 ° C (both seedlings and adult plants). However, for proper growththe root parsley requires an optimal temperature of 16-18 ° C
Root parsley can be best grown in a sunny and warm position . Such a cultivation position enables the highest yields to be obtained. Growing parsley is also successful in semi-shaded places, but the plants will not be as good.
Root parsley
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3. Sowing parsley seeds
Sow parsley seedsfrom the end of March to the beginning of April directly into the ground. Early varieties can also be sown in May. The dressed seeds are sown 1.5-2 cm deep in the marked rows, 10-20 cm apart. In late varieties, the distance between the rows should be 30 cm.
After emergence, the seedlings should be discontinued. Recommendedspacing for parsley cultivation , i.e. the distance between plants, should be 4-6 cm.
Parsley seeds germinate very slowly (15-20 days after sowing). Thereforeit is worth combining sowing parsley with sowing radish in the same rowThe radish grows faster, loosens the soil, and when it is ready for harvest, the parsley is still tiny. Only after the radish is harvested, does parsley begin to grow faster.
Parsley sprouting can be accelerated by sproutingThis treatment consists in soaking the parsley seeds in warm water (20-30 ° C) for 24 hours. After this time, the moist seeds are kept on the plates at the same temperature for another 1-2 days. The seeds prepared in this way are sown into moist soil. Another way tofaster emergence of parsleycovering the seedbed with perforated foil or agro-textile fabric.
The earliest harvest of parsley is obtained from winter sowing.The seeds are then sown into the ground at the turn of November and December. The sown seeds are covered with agrotextile. Parsley from winter sowing can be harvested several weeks earlier than from spring sowing.
4. Root parsley care
Root parsley is very sensitive to weed infestation . It is therefore necessary to regularly weed the parsley beds and remove the weeds.
Irrigation is extremely important in the cultivation of parsley.Parsley is sensitive to both water deficiency and excess. In too dry soil it produces forked roots and gives low yields. Therefore, you should remember to sprinkle the plants daily, which is especially important in the initial period of growth. On the other hand, a substrate that is too moist causes the roots to rot. That is whyplanning to grow parsley, avoid places where there are long puddles after rain
Root parsley is best sownin the second year after the manure. If we did not use manure in the previous year, it is best to use compost to fertilize the root parsley.
In the company of root parsley, it is worth growingradishes, tomatoes and onions, which protects the parsley from the sheen of carrots.
A harvest of root parsley
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5. Root parsley harvest
NRoot parsley can be harvested from spring to autumn . The first harvest of roots can be carried out at the end of June. The roots of the parsley varieties intended for storage are harvested at the end of October.
Winter sowing parsley harvestis carried out in May, and green parsley can be harvested in April.
Root parsley varieties
Root parsley varieties are classifiedinto early, medium late and late varieties. Among them, we can distinguish the varieties of root parsley for long-term storage and suitable for winter sowing. A comparison of the best varieties of root parsley for growing in a home vegetable garden is presented in the table below. Below the table there are descriptions of selected varieties.
Root parsley 'Sugar'- early variety, suitable for winter sowing.It forms a root of medium length (14-17 cm) with a regular, conical shape. The flesh is firm, firm with a great aroma. The skin of this variety of parsley is white. The litter is lush and dense. Directly eaten variety, keeps poorly.
Root parsley 'Kaśka'- this is a mid-early variety with elongated, conical roots 15-20 cm long. The flesh is firm, creamy white. It is suitable for direct consumption and storage. It is sown from the third decade of March to the second decade of April.
Root parsley 'Jagienka'- medium late variety. Forms conical, elongated roots 17-22 cm long. The flesh is firm, creamy white, the smooth skin is light cream in color. It is suitable for immediate consumption and long storage.
Root parsley 'Lenka'- medium late variety, also suitable for winter sowing. Produces conical roots 22 cm long. The flesh is firm, sweet and quite mild in taste.This variety of root parsley is very fertile and suitable for storage.
Root parsley 'Vistula'- late variety intended for autumn and winter use. It hibernates well and tolerates storage. It produces a 19-22 cm long conical root. The flesh is firm, creamy.
Root parsley 'Gazelle'- medium late variety, forming a smooth, slightly ribbed, wedge-shaped root. Aromatic, firm (without voids), creamy-white flesh. It is suitable for both direct consumption and storage.
Parsley 'Roksana'- medium late variety, suitable for both direct consumption and storage. Produces conically elongated roots 15-20 cm long. The flesh is firm, creamy white.
Root parsley 'Warta'- late variety intended for direct consumption and storage. Produces a conical root 21-23 cm long. The skin is smooth, without russets, the flesh is firm, creamy white. Sowing seeds from March to April.
Root parsley 'Ołomuńcka'- late variety, grown both for the roots and tasty leaves. Long roots (22-24 cm), tapering regularly downwards. The flesh is firm, without voids, aromatic and creamy white. It is a variety of this vegetable that is resistant to drought and storage diseases. The best yield is when grown in ridges.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
