Flat-Leaf Parsley Planting Guide

Italian parsley with flat aromatic leaves and strong culinary flavor

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.

Planting Windows by Zone

ZoneSpringFall
Zone 1May 1 to June 15August 1 to August 30
Zone 2April 20 to June 10August 10 to September 15
Zone 3April 10 to May 30August 15 to September 30
Zone 4April 1 to May 20August 20 to October 1
Zone 5March 20 to May 15August 25 to October 10
Zone 6March 10 to May 10September 1 to October 20
Zone 7March 1 to May 1September 10 to November 1
Zone 8February 15 to April 20September 20 to November 15
Zone 9February 1 to April 10October 1 to December 1
Zone 10January 15 to March 30October 15 to December 15
Zone 11Year-round to Year-roundVaries
Zone 12Year-round to Year-roundVaries
Zone 13Year-round to Year-roundVaries

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

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

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.