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When to Plant Parsley in Orangeburg County, SC

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.

Orangeburg County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 441 feet, Orangeburg County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Parsley may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Parsley will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Orangeburg County, SC (Zone 8a) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 15
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Orangeburg County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Mar 1 🍅 Harvest: May 3 – Jul 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jul 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (120 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 31

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 305 gal / 100 sq ft
Parsley needs ~1,645 GDD — county provides 5,710 GDD Excellent fit

Parsley Planting Timeline โ€” Orangeburg County, SC

Parsley Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 8 Feb 8 โ€“ Feb 22
Transplant Outdoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Direct Sow March 1 Mar 1 โ€“ Mar 22
Fall Sowing September 4 Sep 4 โ€“ Sep 18
Harvest May 10 May 10 โ€“ Jul 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
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

243 days

Growing Tips for Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg County, SC?

Orangeburg County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Orangeburg County, SC?

Orangeburg County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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