Parsnip Growing Guide
Pastinaca sativa
![Parsnip]()
Crop Rotation Group
Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family) ●
Soil
Deeply worked soil that has not had compost or manure added within 6 months.
Position
Sun or partial shade.
Frost tolerant
Yes.
Feeding
Not required.
Spacing
Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow direct into soil, and cover the seeded bed or furrow with a board to keep it moist. Germination often takes up to 2 weeks.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Thin seedlings to proper spacing when they are 4 inches tall. 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.
Harvesting
Use a digging fork to loosen soil along outside of the planting before pulling roots. Can be left in the soil through winter in many areas.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Parsnip
![Aphids on a pea plant]()
![Carrot rust fly larvae leave rusty brown castings on the roots]()
![Slug]()
![Snails leave a trail of slime behind them]()
Plant Diseases which Affect Parsnip
![Carrot powdery mildew]()
