When to Plant Parsnip in Hickory County, MO
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.
Hickory County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 950 feet, Hickory County receives approximately 30.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
Hickory County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
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
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Hickory County, MO
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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
195 days
Growing Tips for Hickory 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 Hickory County, MO?
Hickory County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hickory County, MO?
Hickory County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hickory 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.