Family: Apiaceae
Binomial name: Pastinaca sativa
Life Cycle: Biennial (but usually grown as an annual)
Parsnips can be grown year-round in most climates. Avoid planting in extremely hot or cold weather which can affect germination and growth. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow parsnips in your climate.
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cool | ||||||||||||
Temperate | ||||||||||||
Sub-Tropical | ||||||||||||
Tropical | ||||||||||||
Arid |
Parsnip plants are best grown in full sun or part shade. Choose a location that will receive at least 3 hours of full sun each day.
Parsnip plants need a loose, well drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to at least a spade’s depth to loosen the soil, and adding aged animal manure or compost. Organic matter can be dug into heavy soil to lighten it so roots can grow freely. Keep the area free of weeds until planting.
Parsnip seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Parsnip seeds grow best when they are sown directly into the garden.
Tip: Seeds of this variety can be slow to germinate. Take note of the expected germination time, be patient and follow the recommended depth and temperature guidelines closely for the best chance of success.
Parsnip plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
Optional: To give plants room to grow, thin seedlings when they are large enough to handle. Pull out any weak or small seedlings so plants are spaced about 5-10cm apart.
If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. Fertilising can result in excessive leaf growth at the expense of roots forming. In poor soil use a fertiliser low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus, such as blood and bone, applied at the recommended rate.
Parsnips should be ready to harvest in approximately 120-140 days.
Roots are ready to harvest when they are large enough to eat, and can be harvested as needed. Harvest individual roots by gently pulling at the base of the leaves, or use a garden fork to lift multiple roots from the soil. Shake off any excess soil and cut the foliage 1-2cm above the top of the root. Store parsnips in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. For longer term storage parsnips can be blanched then frozen.
Like all plants, parsnip is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing parsnip plants: