When to Plant Parsnip in Snohomish County, WA
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.
Snohomish County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.
At an elevation of 230 feet, Snohomish County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Parsnip root diseases.
Snohomish County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 — Snohomish County, WA
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
222 days
Growing Tips for Snohomish 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 Snohomish County, WA?
Snohomish County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Snohomish County, WA?
Snohomish County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Snohomish County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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