Kale vs Parsley

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Parsley (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Kale	Parsley
Scientific Name	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica	Petroselinum crispum
Family	Brassicaceae	Apiaceae
Category	vegetables	herbs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	2'	1'
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Spring, Fall, Winter	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow (second year)	Yellow-green (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Parsley

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Parsley

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting — slow to germinate (3-4 weeks).
✓Harvest outer stems first.
✓Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
✓Swallowtail butterfly host plant.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Parsley if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

View KaleProfile →View ParsleyProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kale and Parsley grow in the same hardiness zone?

Kale grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Parsley grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Kale and Parsley have the same sun and water needs?

Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Parsley needs full sun to part shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Kale or Parsley?

Kale grows taller at 2' compared to Parsley at 1'. Kale spreads 1' 6" while Parsley spreads 1'.

Are Kale and Parsley deer resistant?

Kale is deer resistant, but Parsley is not. If deer are a concern, Kale is the better choice, or protect Parsley with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Kale or Parsley?

Both Kale and Parsley have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Kale	Parsley
Scientific Name	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica	Petroselinum crispum
Family	Brassicaceae	Apiaceae
Category	vegetables	herbs
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	2'	1'
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Spring, Fall, Winter	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Yellow (second year)	Yellow-green (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Mediterranean	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Parsley

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting — slow to germinate (3-4 weeks).
✓Harvest outer stems first.
✓Cut flower stalks to prolong leaf production.
✓Swallowtail butterfly host plant.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Parsley if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun to part shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Kale and Parsley grow in the same hardiness zone?

Kale grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Parsley grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Kale and Parsley have the same sun and water needs?

Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Parsley needs full sun to part shade and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Kale or Parsley?

Kale grows taller at 2' compared to Parsley at 1'. Kale spreads 1' 6" while Parsley spreads 1'.

Are Kale and Parsley deer resistant?

Kale is deer resistant, but Parsley is not. If deer are a concern, Kale is the better choice, or protect Parsley with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Kale or Parsley?

Both Kale and Parsley have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.