When to Plant Parsnip in Lincoln 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.
Lincoln County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 1,005 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 39.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, MO
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 |
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
196 days
Growing Tips for Lincoln 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 Lincoln County, MO?
Lincoln County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, MO?
Lincoln County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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