The Devil's Tithe

Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate. In English folklore, there was a dark explanation for this delay. It was said that the seed had to travel to Hell and back nine times before it could sprout.

The Devil's Share

Because of this journey, the Devil kept some of the seed for himself. This is why parsley often grows patchy. It was also believed that only the wicked could grow parsley well, or alternatively, that if you transplanted parsley, you would bring bad luck or death upon your household.

The plant was so associated with the Devil that reciting the Lord's Prayer while sowing it was the only way to ensure a crop without cursing the soil.