When to Plant Parsley in Cavalier County, ND
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.
Cavalier County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 138 days.
At an elevation of 568 feet, Cavalier County receives approximately 27.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsley to ensure they mature before fall.
Cavalier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.4
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.
Soil Compatibility in Cavalier County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.4) is more alkaline than Parsley prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Cavalier County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Parsley will thrive.
How to Plant Parsley
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Parsley
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 06.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Parsley
Parsley needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Parsley Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Cavalier County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Parsley Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Parsley Planting Timeline — Cavalier County, ND
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3a
📆 Growing Season
138 days in Cavalier County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Cavalier County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after May 13 in Cavalier County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Parsley in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Parsley in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsley in Cavalier County, ND?
Cavalier County is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cavalier County, ND?
Cavalier County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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