When to Plant Parsley in Plaquemines Parish, LA
May in the garden — Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
Welcome to May in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Harvest parsley as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: parsley
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.
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 304 days.
At an elevation of 386 feet, Plaquemines Parish receives approximately 50.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Parsley may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Parsley will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Parsley root diseases.
Plaquemines Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6
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 Plaquemines Parish
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.0) is more acidic than Parsley prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Plaquemines Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Parsley will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Parsley.
How to Plant Parsley
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Parsley
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 12.
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Plaquemines Parish). 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 — Plaquemines Parish, LA
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 9 | Jan 9 – Jan 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Direct Sow | January 16 | Jan 16 – Feb 6 |
| Harvest | April 3 | Apr 3 – Jun 5 |
| Fall Sowing | October 12 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
304 days in Plaquemines Parish
Growing Tips for Parsley in Plaquemines Parish
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after February 06 in Plaquemines Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Plaquemines Parish dries quickly — mulch Parsley with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 99°F in Plaquemines Parish, provide afternoon shade for Parsley and water deeply in the morning.
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 Plaquemines Parish, LA?
Plaquemines Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Plaquemines Parish, LA?
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Plaquemines Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Plaquemines Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.