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When to Plant Parsley in Butler County, MO

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.

Butler County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 703 feet, Butler County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season.

Butler County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Butler County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Aug 14

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 579 gal / 100 sq ft
Parsley needs ~1,278 GDD — county provides 4,015 GDD Excellent fit

Parsley Planting Timeline โ€” Butler County, MO

Parsley Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Fall Sowing August 24 Aug 24 โ€“ Sep 7
Harvest May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jul 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 6b

Growing Season

220 days

Growing Tips for Butler 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 Butler County, MO?

Butler County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Butler County, MO?

Butler County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Butler County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Butler County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.