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

17 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Most root vegetables do not like or need a rich soil. Rich soil produces a lot of leaf. You want the root (parsnip) to grow. Growing anything in pots requires a lot more attention than in the ground. More watering and fertilising. I'm not a believer in mixing up plantings of different vegetables. I plant rows of different crops so as to cultivate easier for weeds and access.
01 Mar 22, brian (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
carrots parsnips,ect do not like manures or fertilizers,causes leaf growth and also root deformity,I grow them in a bed after heavy fed crop such as greens ,tomato family or beans,
14 Sep 19, Rob Taylor (Australia - temperate climate)
I have parsnips growing at Hervey Bay, they are growing well, but they appear to be all top. I have cut the top foliage back. Will this affect the root. best regards Rob
16 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably too much fertiliser especially N. More a crop to grow autumn into winter than in spring.
27 Jul 19, Karen (New Zealand - temperate climate)
So is there any particular seeds best to buy parsnips for brand . Karen
13 Apr 19, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
When is the best time to plant parsnip seeds I live in Worcester in western cape?
01 Apr 19, Catherine Ingraham (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Can you sow parsnips in the fall,such as November, and harvest in the spring?
26 Mar 19, Clarkee (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I wonder, if I sow Swiss Chard (above it says a good companion to parsnips) then once the card reaches a height that shades the soil around it, I then sow the parsnips amongst the chard, will that keep the soil cool and less likely to dry out for my parsnip seeds to germinate?
12 Nov 18, Alison (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
With regard to the parsnips I would recommend you try germination before planting them. Lay the seed on paper hand towel or similar. Lay seeds onto paper and cover with another paper towel. Dampen paper and keep moist (I'm thinking a sprayer would be a good idea). After 3-4 weeks there should be tiny roots forming. Using tweezers to handle seeds, transfer them to the soil bed you have prepared. Now, I haven't done this (by some fluke my seeds germinated and I have three small rows at different stages!) but I will next year. Successful gardening!
28 Jun 20, Mark Stentiford (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have tried this last year with VERY good results (with three year old seeds as well), place in a container with a lid and you only need to water them once, you can also select the best of the crop to transplant with no failure. Good luck
Showing 21 - 30 of 104 comments

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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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