When to Plant Parsley in Peoria 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.
Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 884 feet, Peoria County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season.
Peoria County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 — Peoria County, IL
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
172 days
Growing Tips for Peoria 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 Peoria County, IL?
Peoria County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Peoria County, IL?
Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Peoria County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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