When to plant parsnip in zone 5b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5B

Growing SeasonZone 5b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Sow Apr 17 · First harvest Jul 26 · Wrap by Sep 6

Last spring frostMay 15

Direct sowApr 17

First harvestJul 26

Last harvestSep 6

First fall frostSep 30

Why these dates work in zone 5b

Zone 5b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 30 — about 138 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 5b?

Parsnip matures in about 100–130 days from sowing. In zone 5b that means sowing around Apr 17 and first picking around Jul 26.

Will parsnip survive frost in zone 5b?

Yes — parsnip tolerates light frost. In zone 5b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 30).

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