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When to Plant Parsnip in Madison, New York (13402)

Location

Madison, New York

ZIP Code

13402

USDA Zone

5b

Last Frost

Saturday, April 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Based on last frost Saturday, April 25, 2026 · Zone 5b

Pro tip: Sow Parsnip directly outdoors 8 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Pastinaca sativa
Days to Maturity 100 days

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

Seeds typically germinate in 8-21 days

Ready to Plant Parsnip in Madison?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Saturday, February 28, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

Fruit Trees
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Parsnip

See which plants help Parsnip thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🔴 Difficult
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Biennial — leave roots in ground over winter and harvest seed umbels in year 2 when tan and dry.

Processing

Cut seed umbels into a bag, thresh and winnow to separate seeds. Sow fresh for best results.

Seed Viability

Up to 1 year when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Parsnip seed viability drops sharply after 1 year — always sow from the previous summer's harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Parsnip in Madison, New York? +

In Madison (Zone 5b), direct sow Parsnip outdoors around Saturday, February 28, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Madison, New York? +

The average last spring frost date for Madison, New York (ZIP 13402) is around Saturday, April 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5b.

How long does Parsnip take to grow? +

Parsnip typically matures in about 100 days from direct sowing. In Madison, that means you can expect harvest around Saturday, February 28, 2026 plus 100 days.

Should I start Parsnip indoors or direct sow in New York? +

Parsnip does best when direct sown outdoors. In Madison, sow directly around Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Other Plants for Madison

Growing Parsnip in Zone 5b

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a popular garden vegetable. In Madison, New York, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b, you should direct sow seeds around Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Parsnip grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.