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 43°F and 70°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 3 - 4 inches 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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15 Aug 09, Sara (Australia - temperate climate)
The biggest problem I have with them is greenheads stealing the seeds before thay germinate. The damper the soil seems to be the less trouble with the ants
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13 Aug 09, Bobbi (Australia - temperate climate)
What are the nodules which I find on my parsnip roots? ... disease?? - I have just been scraping them off prior to using, but is there a treatment to stop them occuring?
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28 Oct 12, Jim (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Did you get a response. I have the same nodules and I also scraped them off. If you have an answer please send it. Thanks
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01 Aug 09, MuddyKnees (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Parsnip germination?? Has vexed me for the last 2 years.. I have tried soaking them in water overnight but no apparent advantage.. I've taken to only use fresh seed and to plant half the pack at a time ( see other's comments). Pretty hopeless trying during hot/warm weather, for me the "shoulder" months like autumn & spring offer the best balance between moisture and warmth. I have a well structured seed raising tub just for these and carrots. I've read where you should not try transplanting either of these but I have no problems doing so.. Carrots are a little flukey with it as you get the odd misshapen root ( probably not transplanted neatly enough.. bent root.. happens..) but at least my carrot rows are complete and all at the same stage. As mentioned by others.. watch the soil texture and composition..carrots are the fusspots of root crops.. Parsnips on the other hand transplant famously. I've never lost one and the roots grow true.. It's frosty down here in Central Vic but the snips are bounding ahead.. Germination time during cold months anything from 3 -6 weeks.. you just have to keep watching and moving them when at the 3-4 leaf stage.. Hope this helps..
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22 Aug 12, jack (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where can I buy parsnip seeds in Durban area
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21 Jul 09, venkat (Australia - temperate climate)
How many days will take for Parsnip seeds to germinate? Two weeks gone still no signs of germination. Cheers Venkat
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11 Sep 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
2-4 weeks is normall for parsnip seeds
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14 Jul 09, Arnie (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Pastinaca sativa
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15 Jun 09, (Australia - temperate climate)
what is the scientific name for a parsnip
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30 May 09, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Most important that you plant with fresh seed. If you purchase seed sow the lot, no use keeping some for next season. If you save your own seed, best to plant within six months. Avoid planting when soil is really cold. Forked roots mainly caused by too much nitrogen in soil or two heavy a soil. Plant after brassicas and add some sand to your soil if heavy.
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Showing 91 - 100 of 104 comments
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(i) When you purchase your seed, make sure it is within the stipulated "use by date" (ii) Prepare bed or row by loosening the soil to a minimum depth of 20 c.m. (iii) Soak seed in lukewarm water overnight. (iv) I do not sow seeds in singles but use a "scatter" method and thin out plants later (v) Mix seeds with a small quantity of very friable earth and scatter in your row or bed. (vi) I don't particularly like the covering with a plank method to stop drying out but prefer putting a shade to keep the sun off whilst seeds are germinating. Ensure to keep soil wet during germination. Depending on temperatures, if cold, I water with luke warm water. (vii) I think that transplanting tends to produce malformation in the parsnip root. Let them grow in the spot where they first saw the daylight! Good luck!

- Jos Dekker

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