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Can You Grow Parsley in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Parsley grows well here — cold-tolerant and productive through the cool season.

Plant zones

3a–9b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Parsleys in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

Jun 16 – Jul 6

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Parsley

Parsley is a biennial grown as an annual — slow to germinate but then productive for months.

Soak seeds overnight before sowing to speed germination. Can take 3-4 weeks to sprout — be patient. Harvest outer stems. Will survive light frost. Good for containers and windowsill growing.

Full parsley growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.