When to Plant Parsnip in Cheyenne County, CO
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.
Cheyenne County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 7,824 feet, Cheyenne County receives approximately 21.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
Cheyenne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Cheyenne County, CO
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Harvest | August 1 | Aug 1 – Sep 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
100–130 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for Cheyenne County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Parsnip in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsnip in Cheyenne County, CO?
Cheyenne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cheyenne County, CO?
Cheyenne County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cheyenne County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.