Parsley Planting Guide
Versatile biennial herb with flat or curly leaves used in virtually every cuisine
Best Time and Place to Plant Parsley
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Parsley in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 75F, and enough room for 8 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 8 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 50F to 75F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; water 2-3 times per week
- Days to harvest: 70
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Light feeding every 6 weeks
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil
- Fish Emulsion organic: Monthly diluted application
Companion Plants
- Tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Roses
- Carrots
Avoid Planting Near
- Lettuce
- Celery
- Onions
Harvest Signs
- Stems have 3 segments of leaves
- Cut outer stems from base to encourage regrowth
- Avoid harvesting more than 1/3 of plant at once
- Leaves are bright green and fragrant
Major Varieties
- Flat-Leaf Parsley: Italian parsley with flat aromatic leaves and strong culinary flavor
FAQs
When should I plant Parsley?
Parsley planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Parsley?
The best time of year to plant Parsley is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 50F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Parsley?
Plant Parsley in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 75F, and enough room for 8 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Parsley?
Plant Parsley about 8 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Parsley?
Parsley is commonly paired with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Roses, Carrots.