When to plant parsnip in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Sow Apr 12 · First harvest Jul 21 · Wrap by Sep 1

Last spring frostMay 10

Direct sowApr 12

First harvestJul 21

Last harvestSep 1

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 5a?

Parsnip matures in about 100–130 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around Apr 12 and first picking around Jul 21.

Will parsnip survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — parsnip tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

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