When to Plant Parsnip in Elbert 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.
Elbert County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 5,587 feet, Elbert County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
Elbert County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Elbert County, CO
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 22 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
144 days
Growing Tips for Elbert 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 Elbert County, CO?
Elbert County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elbert County, CO?
Elbert County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Elbert County gardeners in Zone 5a 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.