Giant of Italy parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley, is a robust biennial herb in the Apiaceae family. Unlike its curly-leaf counterparts, this variety features broad, flat, deep green leaves that grow on strong, upright stems, making it both visually striking and easy to harvest. Its slow-bolting habit allows for prolonged leaf production, and its aromatic foliage contributes classic parsley flavor to a wide range of culinary dishes. Cultural traditions celebrate flat-leaf parsley for its versatility. Italian and Mediterranean gardens, in particular, prize Giant of Italy parsley for its robust texture, ease of use, and bold flavor, which has made it a staple of classic regional cuisine for centuries.
This parsley thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Regular harvesting of leaves encourages vigorous growth and helps prevent early flowering. Like other biennial herbs, it establishes foliage in the first year and may overwinter in mild climates, producing umbel clusters of tiny yellow-green flowers and seeds in the second year. It is well-suited to garden beds, containers, and culinary herb gardens, where its bold foliage adds both flavor and visual structure.