When to plant parsnip 🥕
Parsnip takes 100–130 days to mature, spaced 4" apart at 0.5" deep. Direct-sow only — does not transplant well.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Direct sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May 11 – June 8 | September 14 – October 12 |
| Zone 4 | May 1 – May 29 | September 4 – October 2 |
| Zone 5 | April 17 – May 15 | August 21 – September 18 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 – April 29 | August 5 – September 2 |
| Zone 7 | March 18 – April 15 | July 22 – August 19 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 – March 29 | July 5 – August 2 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 – February 29 | June 6 – July 4 |
| Zone 10 | January 16 – February 13 | May 21 – June 18 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized parsnip planting dates
Care tips
- Use fresh seed only — viability drops fast.
- Mark the row — germination can take 3 weeks.
- Sweetens after a hard frost.
Good companions
Pea, Bean, Radish.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant parsnip outdoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, direct sow parsnip between April 17 and May 15, relative to the average last spring frost on May 1.
When should I plant parsnip outdoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, direct sow parsnip between April 1 and April 29, relative to the average last spring frost on April 15.
When should I plant parsnip outdoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, direct sow parsnip between March 18 and April 15, relative to the average last spring frost on April 1.
When should I plant parsnip outdoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, direct sow parsnip between March 1 and March 29, relative to the average last spring frost on March 15.
How long does parsnip take to grow?▾
Parsnip typically takes 100–130 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 16–20 weeks after the last spring frost.