Herb

When to Plant Parsley in Ohio

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

Parsley is Ohio's most practical herb — biennial, frost-hardy, and productive from early spring through late fall. It's also one of the slowest herbs to germinate, teaching Ohio gardeners a lesson in patience every spring.

Ohio Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Ohio you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Ohio 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Ohio 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Ohio 6b Apr 15 - Apr 30 Oct 15 - Oct 30

Parsley Planting Schedule for Ohio

Northern Ohio (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Central Ohio (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Southern Ohio (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - Apr 30 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Oct 30

Start Seeds Indoors
8 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks before frost
Direct Sow
3 wks before frost
Fall Planting
8 wks before first frost

Growing Parsley in Ohio

State-Specific Growing Tips

Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost (February) or direct sow 3 weeks before last frost (early April). Soak seeds overnight before planting — parsley germinates notoriously slowly (14-28 days). Transplant hardened-off seedlings 2 weeks before last frost — parsley handles light frost. Ohio's clay soil grows parsley well with compost amendment. The plant is biennial: lush leaves year one, flowers and seed year two. Plant new parsley every spring for continuous production.

Recommended Varieties for Ohio

Italian Flat-Leaf for cooking (more flavorful than curly). Curly parsley for garnish and visual appeal. Giant of Italy for large, productive plants.

Common Challenges in Ohio

Slow germination — the #1 frustration. Soak seeds overnight and be patient. Parsleyworm (swallowtail butterfly caterpillar) eats leaves — many gardeners leave them because they become beautiful butterflies. Crown rot in waterlogged soil.

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:

Tomatoes Asparagus Corn

The Bottom Line

Parsley can be grown successfully in Ohio with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Ohio gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Southern Ohio sees frost end around Apr 15 - Apr 30. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Parsley Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Ohio Planting Calendar All plants for Ohio Parsley in Alabama Alabama planting dates Parsley in Alaska Alaska planting dates Parsley in Arizona Arizona planting dates Parsley in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates