Spreading hedge parsley
Torilis arvensis · Apiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant spreading hedge parsley: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- 30 to 80 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy
- Origin
- Europe and Western Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, chalky or neutral
Care
Light exposure
Choose a sunny to partially shaded location. This plant thrives particularly in full sun where it develops more abundant flowering. However, it tolerates partially shaded spots.
Soil and planting
Spreading hedgeparsley prospers in well-drained, chalky or neutral soil. It adapts to poor and stony soils, typical of cultivation areas. Avoid constantly wet soils which would encourage rot.
Watering
Water moderately during prolonged dry spells, especially after planting. Once established, this annual or biennial will tolerate dry periods. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary. Spreading hedgeparsley makes do with minerals naturally present in the soil, even poor soil. Excess nitrogen would promote vegetation at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is essential. You can remove faded flowers to encourage longer flowering. Leave some flower clusters in place if you want natural self-seeding.
Diseases and pests
This robust plant is rarely affected by major diseases or pests. Excess moisture can promote minor fungal rot. Prefer an airy, well-drained environment to prevent any problems.
Did you know?
Spreading hedgeparsley is a historic arable weed historically associated with cereal fields. Once common in European crops, its decline in the 20th century, linked to agricultural intensification and herbicide use, has made it an increasingly rare species, classified as vulnerable in some regions.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CarawayCarum carvi
- MasterwortAstrantia major
- SamphireCrithmum maritimum
- Flat sea hollyEryngium planum
- Shrubby Hare's EarBupleurum fruticosum
- Crowfoot-leaved hare's-earBupleurum ranunculoides
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.