Grow Light for Parsley Indoors for Steady Winter Harvests
A grow light for parsley indoors gives a pot steady growth through winter when sunny windows are scarce. Iowa State University Extension lists parsley among herbs that tolerate lower light indoors, yet most herbs want around eight hours of direct light. Hang the lamp close, run it on a timer plus harvest outer stems first.
The short answer
Parsley grows well indoors under a grow light on a timer. Iowa State University Extension advises 12 to 16 hours a day. Penn State Extension advises 6 to 12 inches from two fluorescent bulbs. Water when the mix starts to dry plus snip outside stalks so the center grows on.
How much light does parsley need indoors?
Iowa State University Extension notes light is typically the most limiting factor for herbs indoors. Most herbs need around eight hours of direct light, though some get by with six. It lists parsley, mint plus chives among herbs that tolerate a little less light. Where light falls short, herbs do well under added light.
| Setting | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light hours on a timer | 12 to 16 hours | Iowa State University Extension |
| Fluorescent distance | 6 to 12 inches | Penn State Extension |
| Direct light for most herbs | About 8 hours | Iowa State University Extension |
| Harvest height | About 8 inches | NC State Extension |
| Day temperature | 65 to 70F | Penn State Extension |
Source: Iowa State University Extension, Penn State Extension plus NC State Extension.
Can parsley come indoors from the garden?
Yes. NC State Extension notes parsley is a hardy biennial usually grown as an annual, plus it can be overwintered inside before temperatures drop to the 20s. It advises bright light plus regular watering indoors. NC State also advises minimal disturbance of the taproot, so dig deeply plus use a deep pot.
How do you harvest indoor parsley?
NC State Extension notes parsley can be harvested at about 8 inches tall. For continuous growth, snip the outside stalks plus leave the center to grow. Parsley indoors needs more frequent feeding than garden plants. Iowa State University Extension advises light feeding.
How to: step by step
- Pot up parsley in a deep container with drainage.
- Set the pot under a grow light or in a bright window.
- Hang a fluorescent light 6 to 12 inches above the foliage.
- Run the light on a timer for 12 to 16 hours a day.
- Water when the top of the mix starts to dry.
- Cut outer stems at the base plus leave the center to grow.
Troubleshooting
Pale floppy stems: low light. Lower the lamp.
Yellow lower leaves: soggy mix. Water less.
A flower stalk appears: second year growth. Begin a fresh pot.
For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis, led light distance cannabis, optimal lighting for growing indoors plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks seeds for indoor growers.
Sources
- Growing herbs indoors, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Petroselinum crispum (parsley), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Growing herbs indoors, Penn State Extension
- Can I grow herbs indoors over winter?, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
FAQ
Is parsley a biennial?
Yes. NC State Extension describes parsley as a hardy biennial in the carrot family that is usually grown as an annual. In its second year it sends up flowers plus may reseed itself. Indoor pots give the most leaves in the first year, so start a fresh pot when a plant begins to flower.
Can curly and flat leaf parsley grow under the same light?
Yes. NC State Extension covers both types under one species with the same needs for bright light plus moist well drained soil. Both can share one lamp plus one timer. NC State notes the curly type also suits ornamental borders outdoors, but indoors both grow the same way under a grow light.
How long should the light run for parsley?
Iowa State University Extension advises putting a grow light on a timer for 12 to 16 hours a day. Penn State Extension advises 14 to 16 hours for herbs under fluorescent bulbs. A timer gives the same schedule every day plus a dark period at night. Long lanky growth means more light may be needed.
Does parsley grow slowly indoors?
Indoor parsley often grows slower than garden plants because winter light is weak. Iowa State University Extension notes light is often the most limiting factor indoors plus long lanky growth means more light may be needed. NC State Extension advises bright light plus good watering indoors. A grow light on a timer helps fill that gap.
Should indoor parsley be fed?
Yes, lightly. NC State Extension notes indoor parsley needs feeding more often than garden plants, which it advises feeding twice a season. Iowa State University Extension advises periodic light feeding with a balanced fertilizer. It also notes herbs do not need as much fertilizer as other plants.
