🥦 Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
vegetables
root vegetable (apiaceae/umbellifer)
Apiaceae
☀️ Sun
Full sun (6, 8 hours); tolerates light partial shade
💧 Water
Medium; 1 inch per week; deep, infrequent watering encourages deep taproot development; consistent moisture for germination (parsnips are very slow to germinate , keep soil moist for 3 weeks)
🗺️ Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
🧪 Soil pH
6.0, 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
🪴 Soil Type
Deep (12+ inches), loose, sandy loam absolutely free of stones and clods , rocks cause forked/deformed parsnips; well-rotted organic matter but NO fresh manure (causes forking); parsnips need deep, uncompacted soil for long taproots (can reach 18+ inches)
🚿 Drainage
Well-drained essential; raised beds ideal for parsnip root development
📏 Spacing
Seeds 2 inches apart (expect poor germination), thin to 3, 6 inches; rows 12, 18 inches; sow thicker than needed , germination rates are notoriously low (50, 60%)
📐 Height
18-36 in
⏱️ Maturity
100-130 days (from seed); harvest after frost for sweetest flavor
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ Root (taproot , sweetest after frost; roasted, mashed, soups, chips)
🍽️ Leaves (caution: parsnip leaves/sap contain furanocoumarins that cause phytophotodermatitis , severe skin burns in sunlight; handle with gloves on sunny days)
🍽️ Flowering stems (young flower stalks can be cooked like asparagus)
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (13)
Aromatic herb that improves health of neighboring plants
Beans fix nitrogen; harvested mid-summer, leaving parsnips to mature into fall; different root zones
Lettuce grows in parsnips' partial shade; shallow roots vs. deep parsnip taproot; short-season crop harvested long before parsnips mature
Universal garden companion; deters pests and attracts beneficials
Trap crop and ground cover; attracts pollinators IMPORTANT management caveat: without active management, nasturtiums can become a SOURCE of aphids that migrate to nearby crops. Either remove aphid-infested nasturtium plants promptly, or treat the trap crop itself to eliminate the aphid colony before it spreads. Strategic placement within 4-5 feet of protected crops is key.
Allium scent confuses carrot/parsnip pests
Peas fix nitrogen to support parsnip's long-season growth; different root depths; peas are harvested before parsnips need full space
Radishes mark rows for very slow-germinating parsnips (21, 28 days); radishes break surface crust; harvested in 30 days, long before parsnips need space
Aromatic oils repel carrot rust fly and other pests; strong scent masks Apiaceae host-finding by pests
⚠️ Keep Apart (8)
Both Apiaceae share carrot rust fly , planting together concentrates pest problems; parsnip webworm attacks both
Same Apiaceae pest profile , carrot rust fly, celery fly, and aphids concentrate on related plants
Same family (Apiaceae) , cross-pollination risk if both flower (biennial parsnips flower year 2); may attract same pests; dill may stunt parsnip growth
Allelopathic , severely inhibits parsnip growth; same family increases pest risk
Aggressive mint competes for resources
Susceptible to juglone toxicity from walnut trees
💊 Medicinal Uses
Medicinal Properties
- Exceptionally high in soluble and insoluble fiber , a single parsnip provides significant daily fiber needs
- Rich in vitamin C (cold converts starches to sugars, concentrating nutrients), folate, and manganese
- Contains falcarinol , a polyacetylene compound being studied for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties
- Good source of potassium (blood pressure regulation) and vitamin K
- Traditional diuretic; used in herbal medicine for kidney and bladder health
📝 Growing Notes
Parsnips have the longest growing season of any common vegetable (110, 130 days). Critical: MUST use fresh seed each year , parsnip seeds lose viability after 1 year (unlike most vegetables). Germination is slow (21, 28 days) and erratic , keep soil consistently moist. The radish interplant trick (same as carrots) helps mark rows. Flavor REQUIRES frost , cold converts starches to sugars, making parsnips sweet and nutty. Harvest after several hard frosts for best flavor; can overwinter in ground with heavy mulch in Zone 4+. WARNING: Parsnip foliage contains furanocoumarins , skin contact + sunlight causes severe blistering burns (phytophotodermatitis). Always wear gloves and long sleeves when working around parsnip foliage.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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