When to Plant Parsnip in Jefferson County, WV
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.
Jefferson County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 3,548 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Parsnip during the growing season.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Parsnip Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, WV
Parsnip Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
186 days
Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, WV?
Jefferson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, WV?
Jefferson County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Jefferson County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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