Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
The true taste of winter. Roasted parsnips caramelise and sweeten in the oven in a way that makes them almost addictive. They are one of the slowest vegetables to germinate — patience is required — but once established they look after themselves completely.
SowingDirect sow
Sunlight☀️ Full sun
Water💧 Low
Days to harvest120–180
Soil pH6–7
Spacing15cm × 30cm
Planting Calendar
🌏 Adjusted for southern hemisphere seasons.
Sow indoorsSow outdoorsTransplantHarvest
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Patience with Germination
Parsnip seed is notoriously slow and erratic to germinate — do not give up. Use fresh seed each year (old seed germinates very poorly). Sow radishes in the same row as markers; the radishes will be harvested by the time the parsnips need the space.Sowing
Sow direct, 1cm deep in rows 30cm apart, from February to May. In cold soils, cover with fleece to warm the ground and improve germination rates.Thinning
Thin to 15cm when large enough to handle. Water well during dry spells in the growing season.Soil: Deep, light, stone-free soil. Avoid freshly manured ground (causes forking).