Parsnip Growing Guide
Apiaceae family
Days to Harvest100 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceHeavy
Spacing4/sqft (6" apart)
Germination14-28 days
HardinessVery Hardy
Germ. Temp65°F
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Establishing
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | — | — | Apr 27 | Aug 5 |
| Zone 1b | — | — | Apr 27 | Aug 5 |
| Zone 2a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jul 26 |
| Zone 2b | — | — | Apr 27 | Aug 5 |
| Zone 3a | — | — | Apr 24 | Aug 2 |
| Zone 3b | — | — | Apr 17 | Jul 26 |
| Zone 4a | — | — | Apr 7 | Jul 16 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | Apr 3 | Jul 12 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | Mar 31 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Mar 31 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Mar 31 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Mar 18 | Jun 26 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Mar 18 | Jun 26 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 13 | Jun 21 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 8 | Jun 16 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Feb 22 | Jun 2 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 20 | May 31 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 10 | May 21 |
| Zone 10a | — | — | Jan 23 | May 3 |
| Zone 10b | — | — | Dec 31 | Apr 10 |
| Zone 11a | — | — | Dec 31 | Apr 10 |
| Zone 11b | — | — | Dec 18 | Mar 28 |
| Zone 12a | — | — | Dec 4 | Mar 14 |
| Zone 12b | — | — | Dec 4 | Mar 14 |
| Zone 13a | — | — | Dec 4 | Mar 14 |
| Zone 13b | — | — | Dec 4 | Mar 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Parsnip?
Parsnip takes approximately 100 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Parsnip need?
Parsnip requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Parsnip?
Plant Parsnip at 4/sqft (6" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Parsnip survive frost?
Parsnip is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.
What are good companion plants for Parsnip?
Good companion plants for Parsnip include Rosemary, Potatoes, Onions, Garlic, Peas. Avoid planting near Celery, Carrots.
How long does Parsnip take to germinate?
Parsnip seeds germinate in 14-28 days at an optimal temperature of 65°F.
Growing Tips
- Use only fresh seed; parsnip seed viability drops sharply after one year
- Requires deep, loose, stone-free soil for straight roots
- Sow early; germination is very slow (2-4 weeks)
Common Pests & Diseases
- Carrot rust fly
- Canker
- Parsnip webworm
Harvest Notes
Harvest after several hard frosts for sweetest flavor. Can be left in the ground all winter and dug as needed. Mulch heavily in cold areas.
Plan Your Parsnip Garden
Track Parsnip from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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