When to plant parsnip in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Sow May 2 · First harvest Aug 10 · Wrap by Sep 10

Last spring frostMay 30

Direct sowMay 2

First harvestAug 10

Last harvestSep 10

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 frost-free days. Parsnip tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall.

Common questions

How long does parsnip take to grow in zone 3a?

Parsnip matures in about 100–130 days from sowing. In zone 3a that means sowing around May 2 and first picking around Aug 10.

Will parsnip survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — parsnip tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full parsnip growing guide →