How to Grow Parsnips - The Complete Guide

Parsnips are a rewarding vegetable to grow at home and an excellent addition to any garden. Below we share the basics of growing parsnips in a home garden, as well as common mistakes and considerations.

When to Plant Parsnips

Parsnips are a frost tolerant vegetable. This means the best time to plant them is mid to early spring, and mid to late summer for a fall harvest. If you’re expecting a late or early frost after planting, protect your parsnips with a blanket of straw or cover them with plastic buckets.

If you live in the U.S., check out the Farmer’s Almanac or the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zones for more help regarding frost and the best dates for planting in your area.

How to Plant Parsnips

Plant your parsnip seeds directly in the soil of your garden or container at a depth of 0.5 inches (1 centimetre). Seeds can be planted outside or you can germinate them indoors and transplant them later. Typically, parsnip seeds take about 1 - 2 weeks to fully germinate.

If transplanting, the best time to move parsnip plants outside is when they reach 3 - 4 inches (7 - 10 centimetres) tall or have at least 3 - 4 true leaves.

When planting parsnips in the garden, it’s best to space them 1 - 2 feet (30 - 60 centimetres) away from the nearest plant.

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How to Grow Parsnips in Pots

The key to caring for parsnips in containers is well draining soil and a pot big enough for their root system. Aim for a pot that is roughly 288 cubic inches (4,719 cubic centimetres) in size. Any old flower pots you have lying around should do the trick.

For more in depth information, check out our full guide on growing parsnips in containers.

How Long do Parsnips Take to Grow

On average, it takes about 90 - 120 days for planted parsnip seeds to develop into a fully mature plant.

How Big do Parsnips Get

Typically, parsnip plants reach about 1 - 2 feet (or 30 - 60 centimetres) in height. Though this can fluctuate depending on the variety.

How Much Sunlight do Parsnips Need

Parsnips need 3 - 6 hours of direct sunlight every day in order to thrive. Be careful to place your plants in an area that receives adequate sunlight. Otherwise, they may not mature properly.

How Much Water do Parsnips Need

Parsnips like well draining soil that is kept consistently moist, but not wet or soggy. The amount of water it takes to achieve this effect will differ depending on the type of soil available to you.

Be sure to water your parsnips on a consistent, steady schedule. This will ensure the plant yields a healthy, uniform crop.

If growing your parsnips in pots, they will need to be watered more frequently than parsnips planted directly in the garden.

You will know your parsnips are in need of more water when their leaves wilt, yellow, and/or the plant begins to droop. But be careful, this can also happen if the plant receives too much water. This is a difficult balance for most novice gardeners. But the more time you spend with your parsnips, the better you’ll be able to gauge how thirsty they are.

How to Harvest Parsnips

Parsnips are ready to harvest when the root is about 1 inch in diameter. Use a garden spade or fork to loosen the soil around the parsnip. Firmly grasp the base of the stem and lift the parsnip out of the ground.