How to grow parsnip
Use fresh seed every year. Frost turns starch to sugar, so leave them in until late fall.
Rotation and family
Parsnip belongs to the roots & umbellifers (Apiaceae / Amaranthaceae). Light feeders; fresh manure makes carrots fork.
In a four-bed crop rotation it goes in the roots & alliums bed. Avoid growing it where any roots & umbellifers grew in the last three years.
When to plant parsnip by zone
| Zone | Sow / plant out |
|---|---|
| 3 | May 6 – May 27 |
| 4 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| 5 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| 7 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| 8 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| 9 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
| 10 | Jan 18 – Feb 8 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Parsnip questions
When should I plant parsnip?
Plant parsnip outdoors 2 weeks before your last spring frost.
How far apart should I plant parsnip?
About 4 inches apart, or 9 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with parsnip?
Traditional companions include garlic, onion, radish. Keep it away from carrot.
How long does parsnip take to grow?
Typically 100–130 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.