Parsley in Zone 6a & 6b
Petroselinum crispum
When to plant parsley in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b 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 | Feb 28–Mar 7 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 11–Apr 18 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 25–Jul 2 (~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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. 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 6b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Parsley in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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