When to plant parsnip in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Jan 31 · First harvest May 11 · Wrap by Jun 22

Last spring frostFeb 28

Direct sowJan 31

First harvestMay 11

Last harvestJun 22

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 9a?

Parsnip matures in about 100–130 days from sowing. In zone 9a that means sowing around Jan 31 and first picking around May 11.

Will parsnip survive frost in zone 9a?

Yes — parsnip tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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