Flowers on parsley?

 

It's always been my understanding that parsley flowered in its second year,
but mine are (theoretically) first year plants, purchased from a garden
center, and they're flowering. Why?

 


...in cold climates.  In warm climates typically it is an annual.

Sounds like your parsley got a big head start in a greenhouse, and
is now finishing its lifecycle.  Next year, use more of it sooner;
that helps to delay flowering.

    Una

 

On Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:43:58 -0400, "JoeSpareBedroom"


It may have been "fooled" this is its second year.  I start fresh
parsley from seed every year.  It is very easy to grow, all you need
is sunshine, water and a little patience for the long germination
time.

 


I ran into a problem starting seeds this year. It's a fungus called
"forgot". :)

 

JoeSpareBedroom said:

Your parsley plants were vernalized.  That is, exposed to sufficiently cold
temperatures at some point such that they were 'tricked' into blooming.

Vernalization is a legitimate technique to get artichokes to flower the first
year, or when growing artichokes as annuals in climates that are too cold
for them to winter over.

It's a pain in the ass when it happens to your leeks, beets, parsley, etc.

Typically triggered (when unwanted) by a very late frost or cold snap.

Happened to my leeks last year.   We'd had an unusually heavy frost in
very late May.  

--
Pat in Plymouth MI
    
"Vegetables are like bombs packed tight with all kinds of important
nutrients..."     --Largo Potter, Valkyria  Chronicles
 
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