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 Australia - sub-tropical 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

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22 Nov 09, Kiwi Exile in Melbourne (Australia - temperate climate)
Parsnip Germination: I've not had any issues in two years, and have used packet seeds 2 years running with success (I always roll up the inner foil packet tightly after opening. I plant in a narrow drill & cover with seed raising mix. I keep surface damp AT ALL TIMES long after germination. (damp down night & morning, even more often if very hot.) - Thanks to my water tank. Easier to get started in spring and Autumn than in a hot dry summer. I find parsnips easy to grow than carrots.
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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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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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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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02 Apr 09, Jason (Australia - temperate climate)
Brassicas are Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brocolli, Pak choy, etc Mishapen roots can also be caused by having lumps in your soil/compost, Carrots/Parsnips will grow better in fine soil without rocks etc in them.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 63 comments
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Sounds likes excess nitrogen. Carrots and parsnip will split and deform with a lot of nitrogen in soil. Fruit/flowering plants including cauliflowers will produce a lot of foliage with nitrogen. Try to reduce heavy nitrogen based fertiliser for fruiting, flowering and root veg.

- Derek

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