Parsley in Zone 5a & 5b
Petroselinum crispum
When to plant parsley in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 | Mar 15–Mar 22 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 26–May 3 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 10–Jul 17 (~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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 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 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Parsley in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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