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

20 Aug 12, Ron Rose (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I live in Louis Trichardt but cannot find seeds here, is there anywhere in Polokwane where these may be available?
16 Aug 12, Suzi (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in SE QLD where we don't have frosts. Would putting them straight into the frig after harvest help convert the starches to sugars to any degree?
28 Feb 14, sandy stephenson (Australia - temperate climate)
you can put your Parsnips in the freezer over a couple of days and the result will be the same as a good frost
16 Aug 12, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Suzi. I don't think it works that quickly. But Parsnips taste fine as they are, without the added sweetness. I mash them together with carrots, butter and a little salt and black pepper. Yum. You can also cook them with a little brown sugar, stir fried in a pan.
06 Aug 12, Emily (Australia - temperate climate)
Probably shouldn't grow radish around brassicas (cauliflower)
09 Jul 12, melody demeyer (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Please can you tell me where I can buy local parsnip seeds,I live in vereeniging,south africa?
10 Sep 11, 11 september (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Parrnip seeds have to be fresh, old seeds dont germinate. Just check that the seed is not out of date. When buying seed make sure they r as fresh as you can get.
12 Sep 11, Kate (Australia - temperate climate)
This is so true - and buying packets within the use by date isn't always the answer either. Parsnip seed is only viable for about six months but the commercial seed companies place a use by date at least a year into the future on their packets. I finally started a successful crop by sourcing the seed through growers on eBay who could tell me exactly what date the seed was harvested, and have used fresh seed from parsnip in my own garden ever since.
12 Aug 11, (Australia - tropical climate)
someone suggested to twist off the tops from parsnips so the leaves do not draw moisture from the roots. is this correct? if so at what stage of growth.
10 Aug 12, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You twist the leaves off when you dig them up to eat. It stops them going rubbery. Not while they're still growing.
Showing 71 - 80 of 104 comments

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