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

Sow and Plant

Sow direct into soil when it has warmed up from mid spring onwards. Takes a couple of weeks to germinate.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Thin out when the seedlings are large enough to handle if they are too close. Weed carefully during early stages. Cover with mesh or fleece if carrot fly has been a problem in the past, although parsnips are less susceptible to this. 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.