Parsley Seed Hamburg

This is not actually a Parsley in the true sense of the word but they are very closely related.

The bonus with this herb / vegetable is that during the summer months the leaves can be used just as you would Parsley - cut as and when you require.

Come the autumn you can use the Parsnip-shaped roots and use them in exactly the same way - as they are fairly hardy they can even be left in the ground and lifted as required in all but the hardest frosts.

This really is a useful addition to the garden that deserves to be grown more.

A member of the carrot family!

• Hardy biennial.
• Reaches 12-30" (30-80 cm) tall.
• Flowers on long stalk-like green umbels June-July (however, if you let it flower the leaves become inedible and the plant will die).
• Likes a rich moist soil.
• Prefers part shade.
• Pick leaves regularly.
• Full of vitamins and minerals (particularly vitamin C).

• Sow thinly in drills ½" (1 cm) deep, 12" (30 cm) apart from March- April (germination can be slow so do not despair; 6-7 weeks is usual!)
• Thin to 8" (20 cm) apart when large enough to handle.
• Lift the parsnip-like roots from October-February as required.

• Top Tips
• A deeply cultivated soil, rich and moisture-retentive will produce the best crops. 
• Recently manured crops will cause roots to fork - though Hamburg Parsley is not as prone to this as Parsnips.
• Seedlings can be slow to start and weak so ensure the crop is kept weed-free whilst avoiding disturbance.
• Soaking the seeds in warm water and pouring boiling water onto the ground you plan to sow in can seed up germination.

• Culinary Uses.
• Often used in soups and stews.
• Roots can be used like parsnips or turnips.
• As decoration for the top of almost any dish!
• Chewing after meals can help freshen breath (even after eating garlic).
• Can be added to salad and sandwiches.
• Can be used in bouquet garni.

• Medicinal Uses.
• Can be used to treat urinary infections.
• Can help menstrual problems.
• Can aid digestion, and act as a mild laxative.
• Leaves can be infused and the liquid used as a tonic for hair, eyes and skin (it's also said to minimize freckles).
• Crushed leaves have been used as temporary dressings for open wounds.
• Can help irritation caused by insect bites.
• Can alleviate water retention and act as a kidney tonic (and help clear kidney stones)
• Can help improve circulation, arthritis and rheumatic pain.
• Can help relieve asthma and ease any lung congestion.
• Can help milk production in nursing mothers
• Has been proved to reduce blood pressure.
• Contains antioxidants said to help fight cancer.

• Other Uses.
• Was used to decorate tombs.
• The Romans made garlands from it!
• If grown by roses can help improve their scent.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using. Ensure you do not use the wild varieties as some are poisonous. Avoid during pregnancy or if you have kidney disease or an infection.