Parsley in Zone 3a & 3b
Petroselinum crispum
When to plant parsley in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Parsley tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 4–Apr 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 16–May 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 30–Aug 6 (~75 days after planting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
Parsley is technically a biennial, not an annual, though most gardeners never see the second year. It's usually grown and harvested in its first season, then replaced the following spring rather than left to bolt and flower in year two.
How parsley fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Parsley needs about 75 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
- Tomato: Classic pairing. Parsley attracts beneficial insects near tomatoes.
Where to buy parsley seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing parsley" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Parsley in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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