Michigan’s cold climate means parsley seeds should be started indoors six weeks before the last frost. Knowing the best time to plant parsley in michigan can make the difference between a lush harvest and a disappointing one.
Parsley is a biennial herb that thrives in cool weather. In Michigan, you have to work around the short growing season and unpredictable frost dates. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Best Time To Plant Parsley In Michigan
The exact timing depends on your specific region in Michigan. The state spans USDA hardiness zones 4a through 6b. This means last frost dates vary from late April in the south to late May in the Upper Peninsula.
For most of Michigan, the window for outdoor planting is from mid-May to early June. But starting seeds indoors gives you a huge head start.
Understanding Michigan’s Frost Dates
Parsley can tolerate light frost, but it won’t survive a hard freeze. You need to know your local last frost date. Check your county extension office or use an online frost date calculator.
- Southern Michigan (Zone 6a-6b): Last frost around April 20 to May 10
- Central Michigan (Zone 5b-6a): Last frost around May 1 to May 20
- Northern Michigan (Zone 4a-5b): Last frost around May 15 to June 5
Once you know your last frost date, count backward six weeks. That’s when you start your parsley seeds indoors.
Why Start Parsley Indoors?
Parsley seeds are slow to germinate. They can take 2 to 4 weeks just to sprout. If you sow them directly in the ground in Michigan, you might not see plants until midsummer. Starting indoors gives them a 6-week head start.
Indoor starts also protect seedlings from late spring snow or cold snaps. Michigan weather is notorious for swinging from 70°F to 30°F in a week.
Step-By-Step Indoor Seed Starting
- Fill seed trays with moist seed-starting mix
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2-3 seeds per cell
- Cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture
- Place in a warm spot (65-70°F) with indirect light
- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- After germination, remove plastic and move to bright light
- Thin to one strong seedling per cell
Use a heat mat if your home is cool. Parsley germinates best at around 70°F. Without heat, it can take even longer.
When To Transplant Outdoors
Transplant your parsley seedlings after the last frost date. But wait until the soil has warmed to at least 50°F. Cold soil can stunt growth or kill young plants.
Harden off your seedlings first. Over 7-10 days, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions. Start with a few hours in shade, then increase time and sunlight.
Plant them 6-8 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil. Parsley likes full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot summers.
Direct Sowing Parsley In Michigan
You can also sow parsley seeds directly in the garden. But timing is trickier. Wait until soil temperature reaches 50°F. In southern Michigan, that’s usually mid-April to early May. In the north, it’s late May or even early June.
Direct-sown parsley will mature later than transplants. You might not get a full harvest until late summer. For a continuous supply, stagger plantings every 2-3 weeks until midsummer.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Parsley prefers loamy soil with plenty of organic matter. Work in compost or aged manure before planting. The soil should be loose and free of rocks.
- Choose a spot with good drainage
- Remove weeds and debris
- Add a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Parsley has a taproot, so avoid compacted soil. Raised beds work well in heavy clay soils common in parts of Michigan.
Watering And Care
Keep the soil evenly moist. Parsley is not drought-tolerant. In Michigan’s summer heat, you may need to water every 2-3 days. Water at the base to prevent leaf diseases.
Feed plants every 4-6 weeks with a liquid fertilizer. Parsley is a heavy feeder. Yellowing leaves often signal a nitrogen deficiency.
Growing Parsley In Containers
If you have limited space or poor soil, grow parsley in pots. Containers warm up faster in spring, so you can plant earlier. Use a pot at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes.
Place containers where they get 6-8 hours of sun. In Michigan’s hot summers, afternoon shade can prevent bolting. Parsley bolts (goes to seed) when stressed by heat or drought.
Best Parsley Varieties For Michigan
Choose varieties that mature quickly and tolerate cold. Here are top picks for Michigan gardens:
- Italian Flat-Leaf: More flavorful, heat-tolerant, and easier to harvest
- Curly Parsley: Classic garnish, more cold-hardy
- Hamburg Parsley: Grown for its edible root, good for fall harvest
- Gigante d’Italia: Large leaves, vigorous growth
Flat-leaf parsley is generally preferred for cooking. Curly parsley holds up better in cold spring weather.
Fall Planting Parsley In Michigan
You can plant parsley in late summer for a fall harvest. Sow seeds in August for plants that will produce until hard frost. Parsley actually tastes sweeter after a light frost.
In Michigan, fall-planted parsley can survive into November with protection. Use row covers or cold frames to extend the season.
For overwintering, mulch heavily around the base. In mild winters, parsley may survive and regrow the next spring. But in most of Michigan, it’s treated as an annual.
Harvesting Parsley
Start harvesting when the stems have three segments. Cut outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to grow. Never cut more than one-third of the plant at once.
Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth. If you see flower stalks forming, pinch them off. Once parsley bolts, the leaves become bitter.
You can harvest parsley well into fall. In southern Michigan, you might pick until November. In the north, expect the season to end in October.
Common Parsley Problems In Michigan
Parsley is relatively pest-free, but a few issues pop up. Watch for aphids, carrot flies, and slugs. Use insecticidal soap for aphids and diatomaceous earth for slugs.
Yellow leaves often mean overwatering or poor drainage. Parsley hates wet feet. If leaves curl or distort, check for carrot rust fly larvae.
In Michigan’s humid summers, fungal diseases like leaf spot can occur. Space plants for good air circulation and water at the soil level.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
To have parsley all season, plant every 3 weeks. Start indoors in early spring, then direct sow in late spring and again in midsummer. This gives you a steady supply from June through November.
Succession planting works well because parsley is slow to germinate. By the time one batch is ready, the next is coming along.
Storing And Using Parsley
Fresh parsley lasts up to two weeks in the fridge. Trim the stems and place in a glass of water, covered loosely with a plastic bag. Change water every few days.
You can freeze parsley for winter use. Chop it and pack into ice cube trays with water or olive oil. Or dry it in a dehydrator or low oven.
Dried parsley loses much of its flavor. Freezing preserves the taste better. Use frozen cubes directly in soups, stews, and sauces.
Parsley Companion Planting
Parsley grows well with tomatoes, asparagus, and roses. It attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps. Avoid planting near carrots or celery, as they compete for nutrients.
In Michigan gardens, parsley also repels some pests. Plant it near your vegetable beds to deter carrot flies and asparagus beetles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant parsley in Michigan in April?
Only if you start seeds indoors. Outdoor planting in April is risky in most of Michigan. The soil is too cold and frost is still possible. Wait until mid-May for southern areas, later for the north.
What is the best time to plant parsley in Michigan for fall harvest?
Plant seeds in late July or early August for a fall harvest. Transplants set out in August will produce until hard frost. In southern Michigan, you might get harvests into November.
How long does parsley take to grow from seed in Michigan?
From seed to harvest takes about 70-90 days. Starting indoors shortens that time. Direct-sown parsley takes longer because of cold soil and slower germination.
Does parsley come back every year in Michigan?
Parsley is a biennial, meaning it lives two years. But Michigan winters are too harsh for most varieties. It’s usually grown as an annual. In protected spots with heavy mulch, some plants may survive.
Can I grow parsley indoors in Michigan during winter?
Yes. Parsley grows well indoors on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Use a deep pot and keep soil moist. You can harvest fresh parsley all winter long.
Final Tips For Michigan Parsley Growers
Start seeds indoors for the best results. Be patient with germination. Parsley is slow, but it’s worth the wait.
Water consistently and feed regularly. Mulch to keep roots cool in summer. Harvest often to encourage new growth.
With the right timing, you can enjoy fresh parsley from spring through fall. Michigan’s climate is challenging, but parsley is one of the easiest herbs to grow if you plan ahead.
Remember that the best time to plant parsley in michigan is six weeks before your last frost date indoors, and after the last frost outdoors. Stick to that schedule, and you’ll have a bountiful harvest.
Experiment with different varieties. Try flat-leaf for cooking and curly for garnish. Both grow well in Michigan with proper care.
Don’t be afraid to plant in containers if your soil is poor. Parsley adapts well to pots and raised beds. Just ensure good drainage and consistent moisture.
Finally, enjoy the process. Parsley is forgiving and rewarding. Even if you make a few mistakes, you’ll likely get a decent harvest. Happy growing in the Great Lakes State.