How to Harvest Parsley: A Complete Guide

Harvesting Parsley

Parsley can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. Picking correctly encourages fresh new growth and keeps the plant productive.

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Care instructions

Start with mature outer stems.
Harvest parsley once the plant is well established and has several stems. Always cut the outer, older stems first.
Cut at the base.
Use scissors to cut stems close to the soil line. Avoid trimming just the leaf tips - removing the full stem encourages stronger regrowth.
Leave the center intact.
New growth comes from the center of the plant. Avoid cutting inner, young stems.
Don’t remove too much at once.
Harvest up to one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress.
Harvest regularly.
Frequent harvesting encourages fresh, tender growth and delays flowering.
Pick during cooler hours.
Harvest in the morning for the best flavor and leaf quality.
Store properly after harvesting.
Store parsley stems in a glass of water in the refrigerator, or wrap loosely in a damp paper towel inside a container. Use within a week for best freshness.

Frequently asked questions

When can I start harvesting parsley?

You can start harvesting parsley once the plant is well established and has several stems.

How do I cut parsley stems?

Use scissors to cut the mature outer stems close to the soil line. Avoid trimming just the leaf tips.

Where should I cut parsley for regrowth?

Always cut the outer, older stems first, and leave the inner, young stems and the center of the plant intact, as new growth comes from there.

How much parsley can I harvest at once?

To prevent stressing the plant, harvest up to one-third of the parsley plant at a time.

What is the best time of day to harvest parsley?

Harvest parsley in the morning for the best flavor and leaf quality.

How should I store fresh parsley?

Store parsley stems in a glass of water in the refrigerator, or wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel inside a container. It's best to use it within a week.

How to Harvest Parsley

Start with mature outer stems once the plant is well established.

Use scissors to cut stems close to the soil line.

Leave the inner, young stems intact, as new growth comes from the center.

Harvest up to one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress.

Harvest regularly to encourage fresh, tender growth and delay flowering.

Pick parsley during cooler hours, ideally in the morning, for the best flavor and leaf quality.

Store parsley stems in a glass of water in the refrigerator or wrap in a damp paper towel in a container.