Gigante D'italia lives up to its name as a true giant among flat-leaf parsleys, producing robust plants that tower up to 36 inches tall with broad, substantial leaves that dwarf ordinary varieties. This Mediterranean biennial brings serious productivity to the herb garden, reaching harvest in just 70 days while offering the bright, unmistakable tang that makes parsley the world's most popular herb. With its upright growth habit and heavy yields, this Italian cultivar transforms parsley from a mere garnish into a focal ingredient worthy of starring roles in your kitchen.
8
Full Sun
High
5-11
36in H x 24in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
This variety stands apart with its impressive stature and leaf size, earning its 'giant' designation through both height and productivity. The large, flat leaves carry intense flavor that unites and amplifies other ingredients, while the robust plants can overwinter in mild climates with protection, providing fresh harvests for about a month each spring before going to seed. Its Mediterranean heritage shines through in applications like gremolata, where the substantial leaves provide the perfect texture when finely chopped with lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil.
This variety transforms parsley from garnish to star ingredient, with its large, flat leaves perfect for chopping into gremolata, folding into salads, or using fresh in substantial quantities without overpowering dishes. The robust leaves hold up well to cooking and provide the bright tang that unites flavors in Mediterranean cuisine. Beyond culinary uses, this variety serves as an excellent source of nutrition, packing over 155% daily value of vitamin K in just 2 tablespoons, along with significant amounts of antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins A and C.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the anticipated transplant date, maintaining soil temperatures between 50-75°F for germination. Be patient with germination as parsley is notoriously slow to emerge but becomes a fast and easy grower once established.
Direct sow seeds from around last frost until 3 months before the first fall frost. Sow seeds and lightly cover with soil, vermiculite, or sifted compost. Germination occurs best when soil temperatures are maintained between 50-75°F.
Begin harvesting outer leaves at 70 days from seeding, cutting individual sprigs as needed from the outside edges of plants. Focus on harvesting large outer leaves while allowing new inner leaves to mature for continual harvest throughout the season. This method encourages sustained production from the robust plants.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.