When to Plant Parsley in Summit County, UT
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.
Summit County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
At an elevation of 8,145 feet, Summit County receives approximately 24.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Parsley during the growing season.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.3
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 Summit County
How your county's soil matches Parsley's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.3) is more alkaline than Parsley prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Summit County is excellent for Parsley — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Parsley.
How to Plant Parsley
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.6" | 1.8" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 1.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 2.5" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit 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 — Summit County, UT
Parsley Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Direct Sow | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 17 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Oct 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 4 | Jul 4 – Jul 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
94 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Parsley in Summit County
Direct sow Parsley outdoors after June 10 in Summit 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Parsley in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsley in Summit County, UT?
Summit County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Parsley planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, UT?
Summit County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Summit County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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