When to Plant and Harvest Parsnip
Sweet, nutty root vegetable that develops best flavor after frost
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 32F and 95 to 100% humidity. Keeps 4 to 6 months. Cure: No curing. Do not store parsnips with apples or pears. Ethylene makes them bitter. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Roasted root vegetables. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list. Garden parsnip is not listed. ASPCA lists wild cow parsnip and water hemlock (also called poison parsnip) as toxic. Those are different plants. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Parsnip
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Parsnip in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 70F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 3 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 50F to 70F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; deep watering encourages long straight roots
- Days to harvest: 100
Fertilization
- 5-10-10 Low Nitrogen synthetic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft before planting
- Bone Meal organic: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft for phosphorus
- Compost organic: 3 inches worked in (not too fresh)
Companion Plants
- Peas
- Garlic
- Rosemary
Avoid Planting Near
- Carrots
- Celery
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Roots are 1-1.5 inches in diameter at the crown
- Harvest after first frost for sweetest flavor
- Can overwinter in ground in zones 4-8
- Use a fork to loosen soil before pulling
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Parsnip?
Parsnip planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Parsnip?
The best time of year to plant Parsnip is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 50F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Parsnip?
Plant Parsnip in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 50F to 70F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Parsnip?
Plant Parsnip about 3 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Parsnip?
Parsnip is commonly paired with Peas, Garlic, Rosemary.
How long does Parsnip take to grow?
Parsnip is typically ready to harvest in about 100 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Parsnip?
Harvest Parsnip when roots are 1-1.5 inches in diameter at the crown. Harvest after first frost for sweetest flavor Can overwinter in ground in zones 4-8