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When to Plant Parsley in Henry 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.

Henry County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 253 days.

At an elevation of 195 feet, Henry County receives approximately 61.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, 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.

Henry County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
253 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
253 growing days
First Fall Frost November 17

Henry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Feb 24 🍅 Harvest: Apr 28 – Jun 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 2 Transplant: Mar 2 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jul 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 27

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Parsley needs ~1,278 GDD — county provides 4,617 GDD Excellent fit

Parsley Planting Timeline โ€” Henry County, AL

Parsley Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 โ€“ Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 16
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 โ€“ Mar 16
Fall Sowing September 8 Sep 8 โ€“ Sep 22
Harvest May 4 May 4 โ€“ Jul 6

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

253 days

Growing Tips for Henry 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 Henry County, AL?

Henry County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Henry County, AL?

Henry County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Henry 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 Henry County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.