When to plant parsnip in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Sow Apr 2 · First harvest Jul 11 · Wrap by Aug 22

Last spring frostApr 30

Direct sowApr 2

First harvestJul 11

Last harvestAug 22

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 6a?

Parsnip matures in about 100–130 days from sowing. In zone 6a that means sowing around Apr 2 and first picking around Jul 11.

Will parsnip survive frost in zone 6a?

Yes — parsnip tolerates light frost. In zone 6a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

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