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SowingDates

When to plant parsley

Herb, half hardy

Start seed indoors 8–10 weeks before the last spring frost because germination is slow and uneven, or direct-sow from 2 weeks before the last frost through the frost date. CSU calls it semi-hardy; Clemson groups it with cold-hardy herbs. Wisconsin's planting minimum is 45°F.

The general rule

Start indoors
8–10 weeks before the last spring frost
Sow outdoors
0–2 weeks before the last spring frost
Plant when soil reaches
45°F
Days to maturity
Varies by variety

What that means in different climates

The same rule applied to the safer frost dates of cities from cold to frost-free.

Parsley planting dates in example cities
CityLast frost · saferStart indoorsSow outdoors
San Jose, CAJan 23Nov 14 – Nov 28Jan 9 – Jan 23
Tucson, AZMar 2Dec 22 – Jan 5Feb 16 – Mar 2
Portland, ORMar 21Jan 10 – Jan 24Mar 7 – Mar 21
Baltimore, MDApr 4Jan 24 – Feb 7Mar 21 – Apr 4
New York, NYApr 12Feb 1 – Feb 15Mar 29 – Apr 12
Nashville, TNApr 16Feb 5 – Feb 19Apr 2 – Apr 16
Louisville, KYApr 23Feb 12 – Feb 26Apr 9 – Apr 23
Omaha, NEMay 6Feb 25 – Mar 11Apr 22 – May 6
Colorado Springs, COMay 15Mar 6 – Mar 20May 1 – May 15
Miami, FLFrost rareFrost is rare: fall and winter (soil 45°F+).

Sources