Parsnip Planting Guide
Parsnips are a sweet, nutty root vegetable that develops best flavor after exposure to frost. They require a long growing season but reward patient gardeners.
Pastinaca sativa · Vegetable · Apiaceae family · 100–130 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Parsnip?
Parsnip Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Parsnip planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 2a | — | May 23 | — | Sep 5 – Oct 17 |
| Zone 2b | — | May 15 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 3a | — | May 8 | — | Aug 21 – Sep 11 |
| Zone 3b | — | May 3 | — | Aug 16 – Sep 6 |
| Zone 4a | — | Apr 29 | — | Aug 12 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | — | Apr 24 | — | Aug 7 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | — | Apr 11 | — | Jul 25 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 5b | — | Apr 4 | — | Jul 18 – Aug 29 |
| Zone 6a | — | Mar 27 | — | Jul 10 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 6b | — | Mar 20 | — | Jul 3 – Aug 14 |
| Zone 7a | — | Mar 11 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 7b | — | Mar 4 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 8a | — | Feb 22 | — | Jun 7 – Jul 19 |
| Zone 8b | — | Feb 11 | — | May 27 – Jul 8 |
| Zone 9a | — | Jan 20 | — | May 5 – Jun 16 |
| Zone 9b | — | Jan 4 | — | Apr 19 – May 31 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 2a – 9b
Growing Tips
Use only fresh seed as parsnip seed viability declines rapidly. Sow directly in spring in deeply worked soil. Leave roots in the ground through winter for sweetest flavor.
Saving Parsnip Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Parsnip by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Parsnip?
Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) takes 100 to 130 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Parsnip grow in?
Parsnip can be grown in USDA zones 2a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Parsnip need?
Growing Parsnip requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.