Last spring frostMay 7
Direct sowApr 9
First harvestJul 18
Last harvestAug 29
First fall frostOct 13
Why these dates work in zone 4a
Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 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 4a?
Parsnip matures in about 100–130 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 9 and first picking around Jul 18.
Will parsnip survive frost in zone 4a?
Yes — parsnip tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full parsnip growing guide →