Petroselinum crispum 'Gigante d'Italia' – the classic Italian parsley for the garden and kitchen

Petroselinum crispum , commonly known as parsley, is one of the world's most beloved culinary herbs. The cultivar 'Gigante d'Italia' is known for its large, dark green leaves and strong flavor, making it an excellent choice for both gardeners and culinary enthusiasts. This variety is ideal for fresh cooking, herb pots, and ornamental gardens.

Parsley is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron. With 'Gigante d'Italia', you'll bring a vitamin-rich and flavorful herb into your garden that's both healthy and versatile.

Description and features

'Gigante d'Italia' is a herbaceous biennial, although it is often grown as an annual. The leaves are deep dark green, large, and slightly ruffled, making them ideal for both ornamental and culinary use.

The plant grows upright and bushy, with sturdy stems supporting large leaves. Its strong flavor makes it suitable for soups, sauces, salads, stews, and pasta dishes. In its second year of cultivation, the plant can bloom with small, yellow-green flowers, which are also attractive to pollinators such as bees.

Cultivation and care

Petroselinum crispum 'Gigante d'Italia' is easy to grow in both open ground and in pots, provided a few basic rules are followed:

• Sowing: Sow directly outdoors from March to June, in rows or pots. Sow the seeds 0.5–1 cm deep and keep the soil slightly moist.

• Position: Sun to partial shade; full sun promotes strong flavour development.

• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, and slightly moist; enrich the soil with compost if necessary for optimal growth.

• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods; the soil should not dry out completely.

• Harvest time: From 2–3 months after sowing; the leaves can be picked regularly, which encourages the plant to form new shoots.

Regular harvesting keeps the plant compact and productive. Parsley can also be grown indoors in a pot over winter for a continuous harvest.

Culinary applications

'Gigante d'Italia' is exceptionally versatile in the kitchen:

• Fresh herbs – ideal for soups, sauces and pasta.

• Salads and dressings – gives a fresh, aromatic taste.

• Stews and vegetable dishes – enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Decoration – the large, glossy leaves are perfect as a garnish.

• Potted leaves – can be grown indoors or on a balcony for a continuous supply of fresh herbs.

The combination of large leaves, aromatic flavor, and rich nutritional value makes 'Gigante d'Italia' an indispensable herb in any kitchen.