Growing Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P P P

(Best months for growing Parsnip in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 6°C and 21°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 8 - 10 cm apart
  • Harvest in 17-20 weeks. Best flavour if harvested after a frost..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Swiss Chard (Silverbeet), Capsicum, Peas, Potatoes, Beans, Radishes, Garlic
  • Avoid growing close to: Carrot, Celery, Brassicas

Your comments and tips

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02 Apr 09, Jason (Australia - temperate climate)
Brassicas are Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brocolli, Pak choy, etc Mishapen roots can also be caused by having lumps in your soil/compost, Carrots/Parsnips will grow better in fine soil without rocks etc in them.
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15 Mar 09, Tamera (Australia - temperate climate)
What's a brassica crop? Sorry i'm a beginner at this stuff!
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05 Mar 09, Kiwi (Australia - temperate climate)
Likely too much compost/Nitrogen. Carrots & Parsnips are root crops - so prefer high Phosphorus/low Nitrogen. My spring planted Parsnips+ Carrots turned out OK, but I had used some compost - one or two misshappen. Best to follow a brassica crop or other that will consume the Nitrogen.
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27 Feb 09, Liz Price (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Planted Yates hollow crown parsnips mid October 08, Seasol fortnightly, watered daily, By Feb big tops but stumpy mis shapen parsnips, also carrots stumpy. Did not thin out, could that be reason? Is it too late to plant more for winter? cheers Liz Price.
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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