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When to Plant Parsnip in Rhode Island

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.

Rhode Island spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Parsnip planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Parsnip Planting Calendar for Rhode Island

Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 17
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 21
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 10
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 14
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 – Apr 1
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 – Sep 6
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Aug 5

Growing Tips for Rhode Island

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Parsnip in Rhode Island?

Planting dates for Parsnip in Rhode Island depend on your USDA zone. Rhode Island spans zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Rhode Island for planting?

Rhode Island contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.