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When to plant Parsnip in Pope County, MN

Parsnip planted in Pope County between April 27 and May 18 matures in 100–130 days — well before the October 3 first frost. A second sowing from July 11 to July 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Parsnip in Pope County, MN

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.

Pope County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.

At an elevation of 1,061 feet, Pope County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Parsnip to ensure they mature before fall.

Pope County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
152 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
152 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Pope County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Parsnip Planting Timeline — Pope County, MN

Parsnip Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 27 Apr 27 – May 18
Harvest August 10 Aug 10 – Sep 21
Fall Sowing July 11 Jul 11 – Jul 25

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

100–130 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

152 days in Pope County

Growing Tips for Pope 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

  • Carrots
  • Celery

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Parsnip in Pope County, MN?

Pope County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Parsnip planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pope County, MN?

Pope County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Parsnip in Pope County, MN?

In Pope County, MN, plant Parsnip after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pope County, MN for Parsnip?

Pope County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Parsnip grows reliably in zones 2a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Parsnip grow in Pope County's climate?

Yes — Parsnip grows well in Pope County's temperate climate. Pope County averages a 152-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Pope County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Pope County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pope County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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