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When to Plant Parsley in Dallas County, AL

Parsley is a biennial herb available in flat-leaf (Italian) and curly varieties. It is a nutritional powerhouse rich in vitamins C and K and adds fresh flavor to countless dishes.

Dallas County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 182 feet, Dallas County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Parsley, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Parsley root diseases.

Dallas County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Dallas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – Jul 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jul 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 31

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 179 gal / 100 sq ft
Parsley needs ~1,382 GDD — county provides 4,819 GDD Excellent fit

Parsley Planting Timeline โ€” Dallas County, AL

Parsley Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 โ€“ Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 21
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 21
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 โ€“ Sep 18
Harvest May 9 May 9 โ€“ Jul 11

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“80 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

244 days

Growing Tips for Dallas County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Soak seeds overnight as germination is slow. Harvest outer stems first to keep plants productive. Parsley attracts swallowtail butterflies.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Mint
  • Lettuce

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Parsley in Dallas County, AL?

Dallas County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dallas County, AL?

Dallas County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Dallas County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dallas County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.