When to plant parsnip in zone 4a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 4A

Growing SeasonZone 4a

Last frost ~May 20First frost ~Sep 20Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Sow Apr 22 · First harvest Jul 31 · Wrap by Sep 11

Last spring frostMay 20

Direct sowApr 22

First harvestJul 31

Last harvestSep 11

First fall frostSep 20

Why these dates work in zone 4a

Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 20 and first fall frost Sep 20 — about 123 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 22 and first picking around Jul 31.

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 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 20).

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