With leaf parsley, a distinction is made between curly and smooth varieties. Introducing the best strains for growing in the garden and in pots.

Curled and flat-leaf parsley varieties differ mainly in the shape of the leaves

Parsley is one of the most popular kitchen herbs in Germany and has been on our menu since the Middle Ages. There are now a wide variety of varieties that differ in appearance and taste.

Parsley Varieties: Flat and Curly Parsley

In the case of leaf parsley (Petroselium crispum ssp. crispum), the main distinguishing feature is the leaf. If it is finely curled, it is a 'Mooskrause' type; if it is smooth, it belongs to the 'plain' parsley varieties. In the Middle Ages, monks bred curly parsley to make it easier to distinguish from the poisonous dog parsley (Aethusa cynapium). The most significant difference between flat and curly parsley is the expression of the aroma. In contrast to its curly siblings, flat-leaf or ‘plain’ parsley has significantly more aroma and flavor. When it comes to growing and caring for parsley, however, the two leaf types do not differ.

Best Parsley Varieties to Grow

In comparison to other herbs, leaf parsley shows little variation within its variety. Japanese parsley (Cryptoptaenia japonica), also known as mitsuba, is only distantly related to leaf parsley, but is used in the same way. This parsley comes up with green to deep red and significantly larger leaves than our native parsley, and should not go unmentioned here. Below are the best flat leaf, curly and Japanese parsley varieties for growing at home in beds or pots.

  • 'Easy Cut 2': The striking dark green foliage of this flat-leaf parsley stands on strong stalks. The plants are not only very robust, but also exceptionally aromatic.
  • 'Gigante d'Italia' is a smooth Italian parsley variety with a strong flavor and fast growth. It reaches a height of 30 to 50 centimeters andcan be harvested all year round.
  • 'Gigante di Napoli' is an early variety that can be harvested just a few weeks after sowing and has smooth, very large, dark green foliage. Its intense flavor is ideal for pesto and green sauce.
Varieties of flat-leaf parsley have a particularly strong aroma
  • 'Afrodite' is a particularly aromatic moss ruff that produces numerous leaves on short stems. The compact parsley variety can also be cultivated very well in pots.
  • 'Green Pearl' is a high yielding curly parsley that can be harvested even after overwintering before flowering. The densely filled and strongly stalked leaves of these moss ruffs are characteristic.
  • 'Mooskrause 2 & Periwinkle' forms dense, curly leaves that hardly tend to yellow when stressed. This curly parsley forms strong, short stalks.
  • 'Riccio Verde' has a particularly compact habit. The moss-curled parsley is early to mid-ripening and has dark green, heavily curled leaves.
Japanese parsley or mitsuba has significantly larger leaves

Mitsuba (Cryptotaenia japonica) means "three leaves" in German and describes this Japanese parsley very well. The leaves are significantly larger than leaf parsley and taste reminiscent of chervil, celery and cloves.

  • Mitsuba 'Bronze' is a deep red to bronze colored variety of Japanese parsley. It is hardy and perennial, can be used with the stems and is best chopped and sprinkled over all kinds of dishes.
  • Mitsuba 'Purpurascens' has deep red foliage and is therefore a special ornament in pots and borders.

Tip: The variety 'Gigante d'Italia' is also included in our Plantura herb growing set. Together with chives, mint and two types of basil, you can easily create your own herb garden.

Have you chosen a variety for growing in the home garden or on the balcony? In our article on growing parsley you will learn everything about the location, sowing, harvesting and storage of the popular herb.

Category:

Herbs