My experience:
Parsley is slow to germinate but grows well once it gets going. I start mine early - mid February, generally. Much better results when I keep it inside under lights (rather than outside) until the weather warms a bit. However, it does like relatively cool weather during the summer and appreciates some shade in the afternoon. It lasts all summer if I keep it cut back. I'll let one plant flower for the swallowtail caterpillars and for seed saving.
Cilantro is relatively quick to germinate, but I have a devil of a time preventing it from bolting. Once the warm weather sets in, it'll start to flower when it's only a few inches tall. I try to stagger my sowings, but I often fail to follow through once things get busy.
Basil likes it warm. It germinates very quickly - I've had it up in as little as two days - but will just sit there if the weather is cold. I've had the best luck sowing in early May so that it's consistently warm by the time it's transplanted to the garden.
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