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Herbs, Flowers & Specialty CropsParsley Planting Calendar
Parsley rewards patience. Seed can take weeks to come up, plants shrug off light frost, and a well-timed planting will give you leaves from early summer into winter in many regions.
Key points
- Sow after spring frost danger passes, or start indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost.
- Expect slow germination of two to five weeks, and use fresh seed.
- Harvest outer stalks near the base to keep plants producing.
- Plan to replace plants each year because second-year growth turns bitter.
When should you sow parsley seed?
University of Minnesota Extension recommends direct seeding after the danger of spring frost has passed, or starting seed indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Once established, parsley tolerates light frost, which means a second planting for fall harvest is practical in many areas.
Look up your average last frost from the National Weather Service or your extension office, then count backward for indoor starts. For example, if your last spring frost usually falls around the start of May, indoor sowing would fall in early to mid March. That is an illustration of the counting method, not a date for your garden.
Why is parsley so slow to germinate?
The Minnesota source puts germination at roughly two to five weeks, depending on seed freshness. Old seed is slower and less reliable, so buy fresh seed each year or test last year's with a damp paper towel before committing a bed.
Soaking seed in warm water for up to 24 hours before sowing can speed things up. Mark your rows clearly, because the long wait leads many people to disturb or re-sow the same spot.
Warm soil speeds germination, so sowing too early into cold ground often means longer waits and rotting seed. Waiting a week or two for warmer soil can bring parsley up sooner than an earlier sowing would.
Should you start parsley indoors or direct seed?
Direct seeding is simplest and avoids transplant shock, since parsley has a taproot. Indoor starts make sense if your spring is short or you want leaves early, and they work best when seedlings go into the garden while still small.
Whichever route you choose, give parsley at least six to eight hours of sun, keep the seedbed evenly moist and thin seedlings to the spacing on your seed packet so air can move between plants.
If you use transplants from a nursery, check roots for circling and loosen them gently. Plant at the same depth they grew in the pot and water in well.
Is parsley an annual or a biennial?
Parsley is a biennial, meaning it normally flowers in its second year. Many gardeners in cold climates grow it as an annual because winters often kill it. In milder areas plants may overwinter and grow again in spring.
Second-year plants tend to taste more bitter and send up seed stalks quickly. Plan on a fresh sowing each spring or summer so you always have tender first-year growth.
If a plant does survive winter, treat its second-year leaves as a bonus and sow replacements in the same season so you are never relying on tired plants.
How do you harvest parsley without ruining the plant?
Cut outer stalks close to the base rather than trimming the tops. Taking whole outer stems encourages new growth from the center, while shearing only the tips leaves bare stalks and slows the plant.
Keep harvesting until a seed stalk appears. If you want to preserve extra parsley, use tested methods from the National Center for Home Food Preservation or your extension office rather than improvising.
Wash cut parsley and keep it cool soon after harvest. Stems stand well in a jar of water in the refrigerator for a short time.
What pests and problems should you expect?
Parsley is also a host for swallowtail caterpillars, so a few chewed leaves may mean you are feeding a butterfly. Consider planting extra for them. Aphids and leaf spots can appear in crowded, wet plantings.
For any pesticide question, ask your extension office for current recommendations, follow the label exactly, and observe pre-harvest intervals. Applicator licensing rules vary by state, and flowering parsley attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.
Rotate parsley away from carrots and its other relatives from year to year, since they share some pests and diseases.
How do you keep parsley going through the season?
A first planting in spring gives leaves through summer. A second sowing in mid to late summer gives younger, more tender plants for fall, and these can often be harvested after light frosts. In milder winters, covered plants may produce well into the cold months.
Water during dry spells and mulch lightly to hold moisture and keep leaves clean. Splashed soil is a nuisance when you harvest.
Timing at a glance
| Item | Window | Caveat |
|---|---|---|
| Parsley direct seeding, University of Minnesota Extension | After the danger of spring frost has passed; indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost | This is the source's guidance for Minnesota gardeners; use your own local last frost date. |
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.