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How to Grow Parsley

Zones 3a–9b · Beginner · 70–90 days

Container-friendlyBalcony/patioIndoor-friendlyPerennial

Quick Answer

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

Light

partial-sun

Water

moderate

Soil

loamy, well-drained

Days to harvest

70–90 days

When to plant Parsleys

Your exact dates depend on your last frost date. Enter your location to get your personalized planting calendar.

In general: direct-sow or transplant after your last frost, and expect harvest ~70–90 days later. See zone 3a →

Growing guide

Overview

Parsley is a productive, cold-tolerant leafy herb valued for fresh garnish, cooking, and container growing. It thrives in partial sun with loamy, well-drained soil and moderate water. The seeds are slow to germinate, but once established the plants supply harvests for months.

Soil & planting prep

Use loamy, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0 to 7.0. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space final plants 6 to 8 inches apart, with rows 12 to 18 inches apart.

When to plant

Direct sow parsley in early spring about 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date, as soon as the soil can be worked. You can also start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost and transplant after the danger of hard frost. Because parsley is frost tolerant, early cool-season planting is fine.

How to plant

Soak seeds in warm water overnight before sowing to soften the seed coat and speed germination.
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in loamy, well-drained soil, placing seeds about 1 to 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Keep the seedbed evenly moist; expect parsley to take 2 to 4 weeks to sprout, and be patient.
Thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart once they have two or three true leaves.
Water moderately and use light mulch to keep the soil cool and evenly moist through the growing season.

5 common mistakes to avoid

Giving up too early when seeds take 3 to 4 weeks to sprout — parsley is naturally slow to germinate, so keep the seedbed moist and wait rather than assuming the seeds failed.
Growing parsley in heavy, soggy, or poorly drained soil — wet roots promote rot and decline, so use loamy, well-drained soil or raised beds and containers.
Placing it in hot afternoon sun — parsley prefers partial sun, and intense heat can stress leaves and push plants to bolt, so provide afternoon shade in warm climates.
Harvesting from the center of the plant instead of the outer stems — cutting the central growing point slows regrowth and reduces yield, so always cut outer stems at the base.
Leaving seedlings overcrowded — dense plants have poor airflow and are more likely to develop leaf disease, so thin to the recommended 6 to 8 inch spacing.

Harvesting & storage

Begin cutting when plants have several leafy stems and are well established, usually around 70 to 90 days after sowing. Harvest outer stems at the base, leaving the inner crown intact so new growth continues. Store cut stems in a glass of water in the refrigerator, or chop and freeze leaves for longer storage.

Companion planting

Parsley grows well with tomatoes, asparagus, carrots, and peppers, and its flowers can attract beneficial insects. Avoid planting it near fennel, which may inhibit growth.

Growing in containers

Parsley is container friendly; a 2-gallon pot with drainage holes is enough for one plant. Container soil dries out faster than garden soil, so check moisture regularly and place the pot in partial sun or bright shade.

Pro tips

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.