How to grow parsley
Slow to sprout; soak seed overnight. A biennial that flowers and fades in year two.
Spacing4 per square foot
Plant out2 weeks before your last spring frost
Days to harvest70–90
FrostFrost-hardy
HowDirect-sow or transplant
Family Herbs
Rotation and family
Parsley belongs to the herbs (Lamiaceae / Apiaceae). Small footprint; many attract pollinators and predatory insects.
It can fill gaps in any bed of your rotation.
When to plant parsley by zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 27 |
| 4 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| 6 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| 7 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| 8 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| 9 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
| 10 | Nov 23 – Dec 7 | Jan 18 – Feb 8 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Parsley questions
When should I plant parsley?
Plant parsley outdoors 2 weeks before your last spring frost. Start seeds indoors about 10 weeks before your last frost.
How far apart should I plant parsley?
About 6 inches apart, or 4 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with parsley?
Traditional companions include asparagus, carrot, chives, tomato.
How long does parsley take to grow?
Typically 70–90 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.