When to Plant Parsley in Melbourne — Cool Temperate Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The workhorse herb of the Australian kitchen garden. Flat-leaf (Italian) has stronger flavour; curly-leaf is milder with better garnish qualities. Biennial. Widely adapted across all zones. Slow to germinate but worth the wait.
Planting Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D | S/T/D |
S = Seed Tray T = Transplant D = Direct Sow
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 21.9°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Parsley in Cool Temperate Australia
When to Plant
Sow Sep-Dec.
- Soil
- Rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of compost. Heavier feeder than most herbs.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.0
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade. Part shade in hot zones extends life.
- Spacing
- 20cm apart, 30cm between rows
- Watering
- Regular, consistent. More moisture-demanding than Mediterranean herbs.
Companion plants: Tomato, Asparagus, Rose, Chives
Avoid planting near: Lettuce, Mint
Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Parsley
Recommended Varieties
- Italian flat-leaf
- Curly
Key Challenges
- Very slow germination in cold
- Winter hardiness varies
Pro Tips
- Start in seed trays
- Established plants tolerate light frost
Harvesting Parsley
When ready: Begin harvesting outer stems when plant has 8+ stems.
How to harvest: Cut outer stems at base, leaving inner growing point. Never strip more than 1/3.
Common Parsley Pests in Cool Temperate Zones
Organic prevention: Plant more than you need.
Get the Full Interactive Guide
Track your garden, get real-time pest alerts, and plan around your zone's weather.
Open the planting dashboard Join Garden Buddy