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Can You Grow Parsnip in Wisconsin?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

2a–9b

Wisconsin last frost

mid-April

Wisconsin first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

100–130 days

When to plant Parsnips in Wisconsin

Direct sow

Apr 15

Harvest

Jul 24 – Aug 23

Dates are approximate, based on Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cold humid continental climate. Milwaukee is Zone 5b-6a; northern Wisconsin is Zone 4a-5a. Cold winters but warm productive summers. Known for dairy farming and cold-hardy crops.