When to plant parsley in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Start indoors Jan 3 · Sow Mar 14 · First harvest May 23 · Wrap by Sep 12

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsJan 3

Direct sowMar 14

First harvestMay 23

Last harvestSep 12

Fall succession sowSep 21

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 frost-free days. Parsley tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 8 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Sep 21 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does parsley take to grow in zone 9a?

Parsley matures in about 70–90 days from sowing. In zone 9a that means sowing around Mar 14 and first picking around May 23.

Will parsley survive frost in zone 9a?

Yes — parsley tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

Can I plant a second crop of parsley in zone 9a?

Yes — in zone 9a there's time for a fall sowing around Sep 21 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full parsley growing guide →