When to Plant and Harvest Parsley
Italian parsley with flat aromatic leaves and strong culinary flavor
Winter survival: Will it survive winter? Often yes in zones 6 to 9 as a biennial, then it bolts in spring. Colder zones: treat as an annual or move a pot indoors.
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Chimichurri, Tabbouleh. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA notes large amounts are needed to cause this effect. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
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 Flat-Leaf Parsley in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 75F, and enough room for 8 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
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 | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 8 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 50F to 75F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; parsley dislikes drying out
- Days to harvest: 75
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Work 1 inch into soil before planting
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Light feeding every 5-6 weeks
Companion Plants
- Tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Chives
- Peppers
Avoid Planting Near
- Lettuce
- Mint
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Outer stems are 6-8 inches tall
- Cut stems at the base, leaving the crown
- Harvest before second-year flowering for leaf quality
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
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 Flat-Leaf Parsley in a spot with 5+ 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, Chives, Peppers.
How long does Parsley take to grow?
Parsley is typically ready to harvest in about 75 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Parsley?
Harvest Parsley when outer stems are 6-8 inches tall. Cut stems at the base, leaving the crown Harvest before second-year flowering for leaf quality