Unlike many other herbs, parsley is no longer edible after flowering. The high proportion of toxic apiol and the high concentration of essential oils that poison the leaves are to blame. As soon as the plants have flowered, they are torn up.
When does parsley bloom and is it still edible after flowering?
Parsley blooms in the second year of its perennial lifespan, with the peak blooming period occurring in June and July. After the flowering period, parsley should no longer be consumed as the content of toxic apiol and essential oils is greatly increased.
When does parsley bloom?
Parsley is a perennial herb that begins to bloom in the second year. The main flowering time is June and July.
Parsley is particularly aromatic shortly before flowering. Harvest as many leaves as possible before the plants start to flower.
This is especially true if you want to use parsley as a natural remedy.
Don't eat parsley after it has bloomed
Once the parsley has developed flowers, you should no longer use the leaves of the plant - not even to decorate dishes.
Parsley should only be used as a herb in small quantities because it contains a lot of poisonous apiol. After flowering, the proportion is so high that consumption can be harmful to he alth.
Doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid eating parsley altogether to prevent premature births. After flowering, expectant mothers should under no circumstances consume parsley.
The seeds are also poisonous
The parsley seed is so poisonous that it was once even used for abortions. The concentration of apiol and essential oils is then so high that consumption triggers uterine contractions.
Pulling up parsley plants
Once the parsley has bloomed, leave the plants until seeds have formed from the flowers. You can use it to propagate parsley.
After harvesting the seeds, pull up the plants and use the bed next year to grow other vegetables or ornamental plants.
Parsley is not compatible with itself. Sow or plant them in a different location next year. Only after at least three years will the herb thrive again on the harvested bed.
Tips & Tricks
It's no use simply pulling out the parsley flowers. Since the leaves of the plant contain too much poisonous apiol even without flowers, you should generally no longer use the herb after flowering.
