When to plant parsnips by city
Sow parsnips outdoors from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after your last frost. Here is what that means for 2027 in cities across the US, using each city’s average frost dates (NOAA 1991–2020). Pick the city with the climate most like yours, or enter your ZIP code above.
| City | Last frost | Sow outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA (9a) | Mar 13 | Feb 27 – Mar 27 |
| Portland, OR (8b) | Feb 25 | Feb 11 – Mar 11 |
| Sacramento, CA (9b) | Jan 12 | Dec 29 – Jan 26 |
| Phoenix, AZ (10a) | Jan 5 | Dec 22 – Jan 19 |
| Salt Lake City, UT (7b) | Mar 31 | Mar 17 – Apr 14 |
| Denver, CO (6a) | Apr 30 | Apr 16 – May 14 |
| Dallas, TX (8b) | Mar 2 | Feb 16 – Mar 16 |
| Minneapolis, MN (5a) | Apr 23 | Apr 9 – May 7 |
| Kansas City, MO (6b) | Apr 4 | Mar 21 – Apr 18 |
| Chicago, IL (6b) | Apr 10 | Mar 27 – Apr 24 |
| Columbus, OH (6b) | Apr 20 | Apr 6 – May 4 |
| Nashville, TN (7b) | Apr 1 | Mar 18 – Apr 15 |
| Atlanta, GA (8a) | Mar 24 | Mar 10 – Apr 7 |
| Raleigh, NC (8a) | Mar 28 | Mar 14 – Apr 11 |
| Philadelphia, PA (7b) | Mar 30 | Mar 16 – Apr 13 |
| Boston, MA (7a) | Apr 4 | Mar 21 – Apr 18 |
In frost-free parts of Florida, southern California and the Gulf Coast, timing is about heat instead: grow parsnips from fall through winter.
Parsnip spacing
In a square-foot bed, plant 9 per square foot. In traditional rows, space plants about 4 inches apart with 18 inches between rows.
Always use fresh seed. Leave in the ground until after hard frosts.
How to grow parsnips
Parsnips are a slow, low-effort crop: sow in spring, wait through summer, and dig sweet, nutty roots after fall frosts. They need deep soil and fresh seed, and they reward gardeners who do not mind tying up a row for the whole season.
Sun and soil
Full sun and deep, loose, stone-free soil, since roots can reach a foot long. A pH of about 6.0–7.0 and steady moisture, about 1–2 inches of water a week.
Planting
- Use fresh seed every year; parsnip seed loses viability fast.
- Sow ½ inch deep from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after the last frost, once soil is at least 45°F. Cover with fine soil or compost that will not crust.
- Keep the row moist; seedlings take 2–3 weeks to appear.
- Thin to 4 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart.
Care
- Water evenly through summer; dry spells followed by heavy watering crack roots.
- Go easy on nitrogen and never use fresh manure, which causes forking.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling the leaves on sunny days; parsnip sap can cause blistering skin burns in sunlight.
Harvest
Roots are mature 100–120 days or more after sowing, but wait until after several hard frosts, which turn starches to sugar. Dig with a fork rather than pulling. You can also leave them in the ground under mulch and dig in early spring, before new leaves start to grow.
Common problems
- Poor germination: Usually old seed or a crusted, dry surface. Buy fresh seed and keep the bed moist until seedlings emerge.
- Forked or hairy roots: Caused by stones, compacted soil, excess nitrogen or overwatering. Prepare soil deeply and water evenly.
- Carrot rust fly: Maggots tunnel into roots. Cover young plants with row cover and rotate the bed.
Varieties to try
- 'Hollow Crown' — long, traditional heirloom
- 'Harris Model' — smooth, white roots
- 'Lancer' — slender roots, good in heavier soil
Crop rotation
Parsnips belong to the carrot family (Apiaceae). Carrot rust fly and leaf blights carry over. Light feeders. Relatives that count as the same family for rotation: carrot, celery, parsley, cilantro, dill.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant parsnips?
What should not be planted with parsnips?
How far apart should I plant parsnips?
How long do parsnips take to grow?
Can parsnips handle frost?
Sources
- Frost dates: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
- Hardiness zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, USDA-ARS and PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University.
- Planting windows and spacing: Vegetable Planting Guide (GardenNotes #720), Colorado State University Extension, and other land-grant extension guides.
- Parsnips in the Garden — Utah State University Extension