Should I cut back leggy stems?

Yes, trimming back long stems will encourage the plant to grow thicker and bushier. Use clean scissors to snip the stems just above a leaf node.

Can I grow parsley in full shade?

Parsley prefers full sun to partial shade. In full shade, it will almost always become leggy and produce fewer leaves.

Why is my parsley plant looking so leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Assess the amount of direct sun the plant receives daily.
Rotate the pot every few days to ensure even growth.
Check the temperature in the plant's current location.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: Stems are long, thin, and leaning heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Move your parsley to a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct or bright indirect sunlight. If growing indoors, use a grow light to supplement natural light.
High Temperatures
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows rapidly but looks spindly and weak during hot weather.
What to do: Move the plant to a cooler location or provide afternoon shade. Keep the soil consistently moist to help the plant handle heat stress.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your parsley

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Leggy growth is rarely fatal, but it makes the plant prone to falling over. It is a sign that the plant is not thriving in its current environment.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of light and prune the plant regularly to encourage a bushier shape.

Parsley: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your parsley and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut back leggy stems?: Yes, trimming back long stems will encourage the plant to grow thicker and bushier. Use clean scissors to snip the stems just above a leaf node.
Can I grow parsley in full shade?: Parsley prefers full sun to partial shade. In full shade, it will almost always become leggy and produce fewer leaves.

Why is my parsley plant looking so leggy?