Parsnip Growing Guide

Pastinaca sativa

Crop Rotation Group

Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family) ●

Soil

Well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Roots will only fork if compost or manure is dug in.

Position

Sun or partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not required.

Spacing

Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow direct into soil, and cover the seeded bed or furrow with a board to keep it moist. Germination often takes up to 2 weeks.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Thin seedlings to proper spacing when they are 4 inches tall. Mulch to deter weeds and keep soil moist. Wearing gloves when handling parsnip foliage is recommended because the sap can occasionally cause blistering if the skin is exposed to direct sunlight after contact.

Harvesting

Use a digging fork to loosen soil along outside of the planting before pulling roots. Can be left in the soil through winter in many areas.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Parsnip

Aphids (General)

Carrot Rust Fly

Slug

Snail

Plant Diseases which Affect Parsnip

Carrot Powdery Mildew