Parsnip Growing Guide
Parsnip is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Category
Vegetable
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Plant Family
Apiaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Biennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
90 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Parsnip?
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Your Parsnip Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Parsnip's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 14–21 days
Growing Tips
- 1Parsnips thrive in full sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of direct sun.
- 2They prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, so amend your soil with compost if needed.
- 3Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry spells.
- 4Space seeds about 3-4 inches apart to allow room for growth, and thin seedlings to maintain this spacing.
- 5To manage pests, use row covers to protect young plants from carrot flies and other insects.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~100
Days to Maturity
45 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
45 days
When to Pick
Pull roots when full size
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest parsnips in late fall or early winter after the first frost, as this enhances their sweetness.
- 2Gently loosen the soil around the roots with a fork and pull them out by grasping the base of the leaves to avoid breaking the root.
- 3Be careful not to damage the roots during extraction to ensure they remain intact.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your parsnip plant is a rewarding and simple process that any new grower can master! Allow your parsnip plants to flower and go to seed in their second year, then wait until the seed heads turn brown and dry on the plant. Gently cut the seed heads and place them in a paper bag, shaking them to release the seeds. Let the seeds dry for a few more days in a cool, dry place, then store them in a labeled envelope or airtight container in a dark, cool spot—your seeds will be ready for next season’s planting! Remember, saving seeds not only saves money but also helps you grow stronger, more resilient plants each year.
Seed Production
