When to plant parsnip in zone 6b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Mar 23 · First harvest Jul 1 · Wrap by Aug 12

Last spring frostApr 20

Direct sowMar 23

First harvestJul 1

Last harvestAug 12

First fall frostOct 15

Why these dates work in zone 6b

Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 20 and first fall frost Oct 15 — about 178 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 6b?

Parsnip matures in about 100–130 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around Mar 23 and first picking around Jul 1.

Will parsnip survive frost in zone 6b?

Yes — parsnip tolerates light frost. In zone 6b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 15).

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