Last spring frostMay 6
Direct sowApr 8
First harvestJul 17
Last harvestAug 28
First fall frostOct 22
Why these dates work in zone 3b
Zone 3b's last spring frost averages May 6 and first fall frost Oct 22 — about 169 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 3b?
Parsnip matures in about 100–130 days from sowing. In zone 3b that means sowing around Apr 8 and first picking around Jul 17.
Will parsnip survive frost in zone 3b?
Yes — parsnip tolerates light frost. In zone 3b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 6) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 22).
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full parsnip growing guide →