Home › Parsnip › Grow in Illinois

Can You Grow Parsnip in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Parsnips are a great match for your zone — they love a long cool season and frost sweetening.

Plant zones

2a–9b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

100–130 days

When to plant Parsnips in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

Jul 16 – Aug 15

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Parsnip

Parsnips are an underrated root vegetable — sweet and nutty after frost exposure. They need deep, loose soil and a long season but reward patience with exceptional flavor.

Direct sow only — parsnips do not transplant well. Sow fresh seed (old seed has poor germination) 3-4 weeks before last frost. Thin to 6 inches. Leave in ground after frost — cold converts starch to sugar.

Full parsnip growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.