When to Plant Parsley in Brown County, IL
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.
Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 868 feet, Brown County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Parsley Planting Timeline — Brown County, IL
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
182 days
Growing Tips for Brown 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
Level Up Your Garden
Parsley in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsley in Brown County, IL?
Brown County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, IL?
Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Brown County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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