When to Plant Parsnip in Sedgwick 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.
Sedgwick County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 7,669 feet, Sedgwick County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
Sedgwick County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-8.3
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 — Sedgwick County, CO
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 |
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
157 days
Growing Tips for Sedgwick 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 Sedgwick County, CO?
Sedgwick County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sedgwick County, CO?
Sedgwick County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sedgwick County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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