When to Plant Parsnip in Otero 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.
Otero County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 4,145 feet, Otero County receives approximately 14.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Parsnip successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Otero County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.1
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 — Otero County, CO
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 6 |
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 Harvest |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
166 days
Growing Tips for Otero 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 Otero County, CO?
Otero County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Otero County, CO?
Otero County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Otero County gardeners in Zone 6a 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.