Parsley Giant of Italy
$4.99
4.5” Pot
Italian Giant parsley (Petroselinum crispum), often called Giant of Italy or Gigante di Napoli, is a high-yielding, flat-leaf heirloom variety known for its large, dark green leaves and intense, sweet flavor
. Growing up to 30 inches tall, it is more robust than regular parsley, making it excellent for cooking, salads, and freezing.
Key Characteristics & Growth
- Flavor & Aroma: Much stronger, sweeter, and more aromatic than curly parsley, ideal for sauces and soups.
- Size: Grows into large, bushy, upright plants, often 14-30 inches tall.
- Leaves: Large, dark green, flat, and deeply indented.
- Type: Technically a biennial, but often grown as an annual or productive, fast-growing herb.
Growing Tips
- Planting: Prefers full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 6-15 inches apart.
- Germination: Slow (14–35 days); soaking seeds overnight can help.
- Versatility: Highly suitable for container gardening and in-ground beds.
- Harvesting: Often used fresh in salads or as a key component in dishes like gremolata.
Uses in the Kitchen
Because of its strong flavor, it is frequently preferred by chefs over standard flat-leaf or curly parsley. It is ideal for:
Because of its strong flavor, it is frequently preferred by chefs over standard flat-leaf or curly parsley. It is ideal for:
- Pasta sauces and stews.
- Salads (used as a leafy green).
- Gremolata (with lemon zest and garlic).
- Freezing and drying for long-term storage.