When to Plant Parsley in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow January to June. Right now in September it is out of season. The next sowing month is January.

This Parsley guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Parsley

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 for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D T - - - - - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is Parsley sowing time in Brisbane?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Subtropical zone right now, Parsley included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Parsley in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Sow almost year-round. Best Mar-Oct.

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

Subtropical Growing Tips for Parsley

Recommended Varieties

  • Italian flat-leaf
  • Giant of Italy
  • Triple Curled

Key Challenges

  • Summer heat causes bolting in year 2
  • Caterpillar damage

Pro Tips

  • Autumn sowing (Mar-May) produces longest-lasting plants
  • Part shade extends life

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.

Where to next

What parsley costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Parsley

When do you plant parsley in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does parsley grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Jan to Jun. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.