Grow An Endless Supply Of Herbs From Parsley With Just A Little Water

Parsley is a favorite among gardeners for being a low-maintenance herb that offers a host of health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and contains compounds that fight cancer. Given the enormous advantages of including parsley in our diets, it is only fair that people want an endless supply of this herb. Growing parsley from stem cuttings in water is an easy method of propagating them that can make sure you never run out of this magic herb in your culinary dishes. 

Common parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herb, native to the Mediterranean, and hardy through USDA Hardiness zones 2 to 11. Having said that, it is often grown as an annual in colder climates, where it does not survive winters. Since the plant is quite hardy (its Latin name actually stands for "stone", referencing the plant's preferred growing conditions), it is also one of the best indoor herbs for your kitchen garden, as long as it receives its required amount of sunlight every day.

Growing parsley in water is not only very simple but also highly effective. It only takes a few weeks from the day you put a parsley cutting in water to the time it becomes ready for transplanting in soil. Fall is a good time to pick these cuttings, so that you can grow them indoors during winters.  

To begin the process, pick a healthy cluster of stems that is about 4 to 6 inches long and free of pests or diseases. Next, take a pair of sharp pruners and make a cut right below the lowest node of the stems. Strip the lower part of the cutting off any leaves to avoid the chance of rot. Put the cutting in a container filled with water, but make sure that the leaves are not submerged. Place this container at a windowsill, where it can receive ample amount of sunlight. Keep in mind that you will need to change the water every couple of days or so to keep it fresh and free of harmful bacteria. Once you're done with all these steps, all you need to do is wait patiently, and in about two weeks, you should see fine, hair-like roots emerging from the cutting. When the roots grow to about 2 inches long, it is time to transplant your parsley in soil.

Since parsley roots can grow up to about 6 to 8 inches, you must choose the right kind of pot for transplanting to make room for the plant's root system. Furthermore, to prevent root rot, make sure you pick a pot with drainage, as well as a well-drained potting mix, particularly if you're keeping the plant indoors. 

Apart from the daily sunlight requirements (at least six hours a day), you also need to ensure that your parsley receives the right amount of water while growing. Too much, and the plant begin to rot; too little, and you risk the chance of it drying out. One rule of thumb you can use to strike this balance is to always keep the soil moist, and water only when it begins to feel dry. Avoid the risk of water logging by discarding any excess water that gets filtered through the soil and out of the pot to the saucer underneath. Prune parsley regularly for more produce in your garden, use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks, and of course, do not forget to enjoy your harvest as a way to add some delightful flavor to your dishes!