Parsley needs 2 inches (5 cm) of water each week. This water can be provided in one or two increments, but two weekly waterings are best for parsley. Parsley soil should be damp to a depth of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) throughout the summer. Allow the soil to dry out to a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm) before watering again. You don’t want the soil to become parched, but it should be semi-dry before adding more water. Water your parsley around the base to keep as much water as possible off the leaves.
How Much Water Does Parsley Need Per Day?
Watering parsley daily is not recommended. If you do so, simply moisten the soil lightly each morning. However, your parsley plants will be happier and healthier if you water them 1 or 2 times per week, to a depth of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm). This will allow your parsley to develop a strong root system.
- It’s not a good idea to water parsley daily.
- Give parsley plants a good soak once or twice a week to allow the roots to grow strong.
- Parsley benefits when the ground dries out in between waterings.
Parsley is an herb that benefits from having the ground dry out in between waterings. If its soil is kept constantly damp, parsley is at risk of being attacked by powdery mildew and similar conditions. Daily watering means the plants are always in moist conditions, which can open them up to fungal diseases.
How Do You Water Parsley?
When the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry, provide your parsley with 1–2 inches of water (2.5–5 cm). This should be enough to moisten the top few inches of soil. It’s best to split parsley watering into 2 weekly sessions spaced 3 days apart. Provide 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water at each watering session.
- Water parsley when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry.
- Water until the top 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of soil is moist.
- Use this moisture meter to determine if your soil is moist or dry, or stick your finger into the soil.
- Always water parsley at the base and try to keep moisture off the foliage.
- Water on parsley leaves can cause mildew and fungal diseases.
Water parsley at the base of the plant. This is because it is imperative for all the moisture to reach the root system. Additionally, the foliage can be damaged by water that does not quickly evaporate. Parsley is susceptible to a broad range of fungal diseases, including gray mold, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Does Parsley Like Wet or Dry Soil?
Although parsley is drought resistant, it prefers moist soil. This is because it needs moist soil to receive the necessary nutrients. Don’t allow the soil to remain saturated or soggy, though. Overly wet conditions can lead to fungal diseases or root rot if they are not corrected quickly.
- Parsley prefers moist soil even though it is drought resistant.
- Never allow the soil where your parsley is planted to become soggy or saturated.
- Dry soil won’t harm your plants right away, but parsley won’t thrive long-term without moisture.
Dry soil does not immediately harm parsley, but eventually, it will lose its intense flavor and not grow as lush. Moist garden soil that dries out slightly between waterings encourages healthy parsley growth. Remember to provide the correct sunlight needs for parsley to really encourage healthy, flavorful plants.
Can You Overwater Parsley?
Overwatering parsley is a common mistake, but you can avoid this if you know the warning signs. One of the biggest signs that you have overwatered your parsley plants is yellowing leaves. When you spot this, immediately check the soil for dryness. Often, people think yellowing leaves automatically indicate the plant needs water. Although this is true in certain cases, overwatering can create the same symptoms. Yellow leaves combined with damp soil means your parsley is overwatered.
- Parsley is prone to damage from overwatering.
- Yellowing leaves are often an indication that your parsley is overwatered.
- If the soil is moist and your parsley plant’s leaves are turning yellow, your plant has gotten too much water.
- Fungal diseases or root rot are always a result of too much water.
- If your parsley is overwatered, allow the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering again.
The presence of powdery mildew, gray mold, or root rot are also definite signs that you’ve overwatered your plants. Check the leaves for white spots, which is the sign of mildew. If your plant is struggling, gently part the soil to feel the roots. Soft, spongy roots that lack a firm texture may be afflicted with root rot.
How Do You Know If Parsley Needs Water?
Depending on soil conditions, yellowing leaves can be a sign of too much water or not enough water. If your parsley’s leaves are turning yellow and the soil feels dry, you need to water your plant immediately.
- Yellow leaves combined with dry soil are a sign your parsley needs water.
- Slow-growing parsley may need additional water or more direct sunlight.
- Wilting parsley is typically in need of water.
If it appears that your plants are not thriving, you may not be giving them enough water. Parsley needs a balance of direct sunlight and water to thrive. A lack of either of these conditions can cause parsley to struggle. Additionally, parsley that is starving for water will begin to wilt. If your parsley is wilting and the soil feels dry at a depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm), give your plant an inch of water.
Does Parsley Require Lots of Water?
Parsley does not need heavy watering. The soil should be watered twice per week, then allowed to partially dry out between waterings. Top tips for watering parsley are:
- Parsley needs 2 inches of water a week.
- Split parsley watering into 2 weekly watering sessions.
- Provide 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water every 3–4 days for healthy parsley.
- When watering, moisten the soil to a depth of 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm).
- Once the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil has dried out, your parsley needs more water.
- Water the plant around the base—keep excess water off the leaves.
If your parsley is struggling, check the soil before watering. Symptoms such as yellow leaves can be caused by too much water or not enough water. If the soil is damp, hold off on watering until it dries out. If the soil is dry, provide your parsley with water to help it recover.