Parsnip

Plant Overview

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is listed in the Apiaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a biennial commonly grown as an annual crop life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.

Plant ID

PLT-0048

Family

Apiaceae

Plant type

Vegetable

Life cycle

Biennial commonly grown as an annual crop

Growth habit

Biennial root vegetable developing a fleshy taproot and leafy growth in its first season, followed by tall stems bearing yellow flower umbels in its second season

Mature height

First-season foliage stays below the tall flowering stems; second-year seed-producing plants can exceed 6 feet and may need support

Mature spread

Varies with variety and growth stage; plants grown for seed become much larger than the closely spaced root crop. Allow at least 18 inches between seed-producing plants

Difficulty

Moderate

Growing Conditions

Parsnip is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 2-9 as an annual crop.

Hardiness zones

2-9 as an annual crop

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water needs

Moderate; keep evenly moist without waterlogging

Plant spacing

Thin seedlings to 2-4 inches apart, with rows 18-24 inches apart; snip unwanted seedlings at soil level to avoid disturbing nearby roots

Seed & Germination

For propagation, the database note is slow to emerge; seedlings may take about three weeks, especially in cold soil. keep the seedbed consistently moist. Planting-depth guidance: Sow about 1/4-1/2 inch deep. The listed time to maturity is Typically about 100-120 days from sowing, depending on variety and growing conditions. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Slow to emerge; seedlings may take about three weeks, especially in cold soil. Keep the seedbed consistently moist

Germination temperature

Soil temperatures around 50-70 F are suitable for germination; emergence is slower in colder soil

Seed depth

Sow about 1/4-1/2 inch deep

Sowing method

Direct sow in the garden where the roots will grow to harvest

Start indoors

Not recommended; sow directly outdoors because the developing taproot does not transplant well

Transplanting

Avoid transplanting; direct sow to avoid disturbing the developing taproot

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Typically about 100-120 days from sowing, depending on variety and growing conditions

Harvest

Loosen soil deeply beside the roots with a garden fork before lifting to avoid breakage. Cold weather improves sweetness; harvest overwintered roots before flowering begins. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling plants because contact can cause a skin reaction, especially in sunlight

Propagation

Grow from seed, sown directly where the edible roots will develop

Seed saving

Overwinter selected healthy roots so winter chilling can trigger flowering in the second season. For ongoing variety maintenance, retain at least 20 plants. Separate flowering varieties by about 250 metres (820 feet) to reduce crossing. Collect seed heads when seeds turn brown and papery, before they shed; finish drying, then thresh and winnow. Seed is short-lived, so plan to sow it the following season. Wear gloves and long sleeves: plant sap on skin can cause blistering when exposed to sunlight.

Pollination

Insect-pollinated; flowering varieties can cross with one another. Grow multiple plants for seed to maintain genetic diversity

Garden Information

Common pests

Carrot fly larvae can damage roots; pest pressure varies by location

Common diseases

Parsnip canker can damage roots; choose resistant varieties where available

Uses

Edible taproots, usually cooked; cold weather helps develop their sweet flavor