When to Plant Parsley in Florida
More than a garnish. Parsley is a biennial that produces abundantly its first year and is one of the most nutritious herbs.
The Short Answer
Florida Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Florida | 8a, 8b, 9a | Feb 15 - Mar 10 | Nov 15 - Dec 10 |
| Central Florida | 9a, 9b, 10a | Jan 15 - Feb 10 | Dec 10 - Jan 5 |
| South Florida | 10a, 10b, 11a | Rare | Rare |
Parsley Planting Schedule for Florida
North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)
Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)
Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)
Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare
Growing Parsley in Florida
State-Specific Growing Tips
Transplant from September (north Florida) through November (south Florida). Parsley handles Florida's cool season beautifully. Sandy soils need compost amendment. Soak seeds overnight before direct sowing. UF/IFAS includes parsley in herb growing recommendations.
Recommended Varieties for Florida
Italian Flat-Leaf, Curly. Giant of Italy for maximum leaves. UF/IFAS provides variety guidance.
Common Challenges in Florida
Slow germination. Bolting in spring warmth. Parsleyworm (swallowtail caterpillar). Nematodes in sandy soils.
Growing Tips
Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate — soak overnight before planting. It's a biennial: lush leaves year one, seeds year two.
Companion Planting
Plant parsley alongside these companions for better growth:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026