UK sowing calendar
When to sow parsley in the UK
Parsley sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Jan-Apr |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Apr-Aug |
| Harvest | Jun onwards (can overwinter) |
Can be started under glass from January for an early crop, or direct sown outdoors from mid-spring once the soil warms. Germination is slow (often a month), so be patient; plants often overwinter for spring picking.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for parsley.
Keep going
When to sow parsley in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow parsley in the UK?
Sow parsley under cover Jan-Apr, then outdoors apr-aug. Can be started under glass from January for an early crop, or direct sown outdoors from mid-spring once the soil warms. Germination is slow (often a month), so be patient; plants often overwinter for spring picking.
Can you sow parsley outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant parsley outdoors apr-aug. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is parsley ready to harvest in the UK?
Parsley is typically harvested Jun onwards (can overwinter) in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow parsley?
It depends on the month and your region. Parsley has a UK outdoor window of apr-aug; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.