How to Grow Parsley
Get Your Exact Parsley Planting Dates
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Your Parsley dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water
Regular (keep moist)
Spacing
12" apart
Depth
0.25" deep
Height
12-18"
Germination
14-28 days
Ready to Grow Parsley?
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Common Parsley Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Italian Flat-Leaf
Preferred by chefs for its bold flavor; better for cooking than curly varieties.
Curly Parsley
Decorative tightly ruffled leaves; mild flavor, popular as a garnish.
Giant Italian
Large, productive flat-leaf variety with exceptional flavor; vigorous grower.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
Seed Saving Guide
ModerateWhen to Harvest Seed
Parsley is biennial — it flowers in year 2. Harvest seed heads when fully brown and dry.
Processing
Cut seed heads into a bag, allow to fully dry, shake out seeds.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Parsley must overwinter to produce seed. In cold climates, mulch heavily or pot and bring indoors through winter.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Parsley. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Parsley Planting Calendar by Zone
Parsley Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsley? +
Start Parsley seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Parsley take to grow? +
Parsley typically matures in about 75 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Parsley indoors or direct sow? +
Parsley should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Parsley need? +
Parsley requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Parsley? +
Space Parsley plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Parsley need? +
Parsley has regular (keep moist) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Parsley? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Parsley is rated moderate. Parsley is biennial — it flowers in year 2. Harvest seed heads when fully brown and dry. Cut seed heads into a bag, allow to fully dry, shake out seeds.
How long do Parsley seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Parsley seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Parsley seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Parsley is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Parsley
Biennial herb; harvest leaves in first year. Slow to germinate—soak seeds overnight.
Expect your Parsley to be ready for harvest in approximately 75 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.