Growing Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

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

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • 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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29 Mar 13, Anne (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
I love Parsnips but have found that one is unable to buy the seed in SA except maybe at a farmers coop in bulk I have family in the UK and have had them send me seeds but am told the seeds do not have a long shelf life so best to let one or two go to seed and replant from them.
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31 Mar 13, Gaynor Portsmouth (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Give www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za a go - I have order many seeds from them that I've not been able to get at the local nursery. Enjoy Gaynor
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20 Jul 13, Chris Rault (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Those looking for Parsnip seeds, checkout these sites: www.organicseed.co.za www.seedsforafrica.co.za/ www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za I placed an order on Organic Seeds and Seeds for Africa on Monday and both orders arrived yesterday :) Yay for Parsnips!
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27 Oct 13, barb gilbert (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
My parsnips taste great. However they are about 3 inches across and 3 inches long. Then this is where it gets strange There is all these 3 or 4 inches long about 1/2 inch around shoots coming off it. What went wrong?
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29 May 16, tash (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
possibly too much nutrient in the soil. with carrots if they are over fertilised they dont have to send their root down as far to collect nutrients and so tend to grow outwards to collect nutrients fed from above... try growing them in a bed after a heavy feeder perhaps...
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25 Feb 15, Josie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi I buy my seeds on bidorbuy from lavenerhaven. They have a great selection. Also try livingseeds.co.za also fabulous collection. Hope that helps.
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17 Aug 15, Norman Dunn (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Is the parsnip widely grown in the USA and where is it mostly popular. Thank you
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22 Mar 16, Francine (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Just want to know which month is the best time to plant parsnips. Here in the Free state, can I still plant parsnips now, or do I have to wait till after winter time?
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30 Mar 16, Holly (Australia - temperate climate)
hey just wondering when are parsnips in season
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27 Apr 16, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
how do you harvest on medium sized scale
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How many days will take for Parsnip seeds to germinate? Two weeks gone still no signs of germination. Cheers Venkat

- venkat

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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. Gardenate 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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