Parsley root Alba

Petroselinum crispum convar. radicosum - Alba

A root vegetable classified as a biennial plant. It is a source of provitamin A and vitamins B, C, E, and minerals including potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium, and phosphorus. In the first year, the plant develops a white taproot and glossy, long-stalked, richly dissected leaves. In the second year, it flowers in summer. Parsley is divided into root parsley and leaf parsley. Leaf parsley is further divided into flat-leaf and curly-leaf varieties. Curly parsley is used in soups and salads. Flat-leaf parsley is primarily used as a seasoning and for tea, which stimulates appetite. The leaf form is also used to garnish cold dishes and add flavor. It can also be dried and frozen. Root parsley is very suitable for heat treatment, especially in soups, salads, and also for frying. It is also suitable for storage.

How to Grow Parsley

• Root parsley requires plenty of light; curly parsley tolerates partial shade well. During dry periods, it needs regular watering. During the growing season, parsley requires regular watering and fertilizing. During drought periods, regular irrigation is essential! During root parsley cultivation, keep the plot weed-free.

• Early varieties of root parsley are sown in beds in October to November; late varieties are sown in early spring when the soil is still saturated with water from melting snow. Leaf parsley is sown in beds in March, April, and then again in August. Seeds of both types of parsley are sown to a depth of 2 cm.

• Parsley is grown in deeply worked, light soils. The optimal pH is 6.

• Over-fertilization with nitrogen causes susceptibility to rust. It does not tolerate salinity. Never fertilize beds with manure before planting! High nitrogen content causes poor storage quality later. During the growing season, apply complex NPK fertilizer with lower nitrogen content and avoid fertilizers containing chlorine. Cererit or Kristalon can be used for fertilization.

• Parsley is attacked by aphids that suck on the plants. Affected tissues become deformed and dry out. Flowers and young fruits gradually fall off. Plants can be protected with Decis Mega.

  If whitish, powdery fungal coatings appear on plants and gradually turn dirty brownish-gray, they have been attacked by powdery mildew of umbellifers. Treat the crop with Kumulus WG or Ortiva.

  The most serious storage rot of parsley roots is black rot. It is transmitted by seed and especially by post-harvest residues. It spreads in wet weather and through irrigation on root crowns. Protection consists primarily of sowing quality seed treated with fungicide.

  Aphids and spider mites are eliminated using Pirimor or Decis.

  Roots are occasionally attacked by nematodes. A safe protection is to plant African marigolds (Tagetes) in the surrounding area.

  Rust may also appear on plants. Treat with an appropriate fungicide.

• Leaf parsley is harvested as needed. Root parsley is harvested when it reaches the desired size. The main harvest time is October.