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When to plant Parsley in Middlesex County, MA

Aim to plant Parsley in Middlesex County on or after April 10; the window stays open through May 1. Middlesex County's 176-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Parsley in Middlesex County, MA

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.

Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 117 feet, Middlesex County receives approximately 43.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season.

Middlesex County, MA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Middlesex County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Parsley Planting Timeline — Middlesex County, MA

Parsley Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 21
Fall Sowing August 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Middlesex County

Growing Tips for Middlesex 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Parsley in Middlesex County, MA?

Middlesex County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Middlesex County, MA?

Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Parsley in Middlesex County, MA?

In Middlesex County, MA, plant Parsley after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Middlesex County, MA for Parsley?

Middlesex County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Parsley grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Parsley grow in Middlesex County's climate?

Yes — Parsley grows well in Middlesex County's temperate climate. Middlesex County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Middlesex County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Middlesex County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Middlesex County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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