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How to grow parsnips

How to grow parsnips

Photo by Bernd Dittrich on Unsplash

Parsnips are an underrated but highly rewarding root vegetable to grow in your garden. With their sweet, earthy flavor, parsnips make a delicious addition to soups, stews, or simply roasted as a side dish. Although parsnips require patience due to their slow-growing nature, they're relatively low-maintenance, hardy, and grow especially well in cooler climates.

How to grow parsnips from seed

Parsnips are best grown directly from seed, as they do not transplant well due to their delicate taproots. Prepare your soil thoroughly, making sure it is loose, deep, and free of stones or debris to allow the roots to grow straight. Sow seeds about half an inch deep and cover lightly with soil. Parsnip seeds are notoriously slow to germinate—taking around 2-4 weeks—so keep the area consistently moist and free from weeds. Consider marking rows clearly to identify seedlings as they emerge, since parsnip seedlings can be mistaken for weeds.

When to plant parsnips

Parsnips should be planted in early spring, ideally two to four weeks before the last frost date in your area. Because parsnips prefer cooler temperatures, sowing seeds early allows them enough growing time to mature before the heat of summer. In warmer climates, parsnips can also be sown in late summer for a winter harvest. Timing your planting carefully ensures robust growth and sweeter, well-developed roots at harvest.

How far apart to plant parsnips

Plant parsnip seeds in rows, spacing seeds roughly 2 to 3 inches apart initially. Once seedlings have grown about two inches tall, thin them out to leave approximately 4 to 6 inches between plants. Rows should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart to facilitate weeding, watering, and harvesting. Proper spacing is crucial for allowing each root sufficient room to expand fully underground.

How much space do parsnips need

Parsnips require ample vertical and horizontal space for their roots to grow deeply and evenly. Individual plants should have 4 to 6 inches of spacing around them to avoid overcrowding. Maintaining this spacing promotes larger, straighter roots and better air circulation, which reduces disease risk and improves overall crop health and yield.

Do parsnips need a trellis

Parsnips do not require a trellis. They grow underground as root vegetables with leafy tops that rarely reach more than 12-18 inches tall. Instead, your primary concern should be providing loose, deeply cultivated soil to accommodate the long taproots and encourage straight, evenly grown parsnips.

Where to plant parsnips

Choose a sunny location with rich, deep, and well-draining soil. Parsnips thrive in loamy soil, amended generously with compost or aged manure, to ensure the roots grow smoothly and evenly. Avoid heavy clay or rocky soils, as these can distort root growth. Raised beds can also work well, providing loose soil and excellent drainage, essential for healthy parsnip root development.

How much sunlight do parsnips need

Parsnips prefer full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate partial shade, roots grown in full sunlight typically develop better, with stronger growth and a sweeter flavor. Ensure your planting site receives sufficient sunlight throughout the growing season for optimal root development.

What temperature parsnips grow in

Parsnips prefer cooler weather and grow best at temperatures between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C). Warm temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can negatively impact growth, often resulting in woody, less flavorful roots. Parsnips can withstand cold weather quite well, often becoming sweeter after exposure to frost, making them an excellent choice for growing in cooler climates.

Can parsnips handle frost

Parsnips are very frost-tolerant and improve in taste after frost exposure. Light frosts convert the starches in parsnip roots to sugars, greatly enhancing their sweetness. They can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C), making them an excellent winter vegetable in temperate climates. In regions with harsh winters, protect the soil surface with a thick layer of straw mulch to extend harvest times.

How much water parsnips need

Parsnips prefer evenly moist soil, especially during germination and early growth. Provide about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture levels. Consistent moisture is essential for healthy root growth. Overwatering, however, can lead to rot or split roots, so ensure proper soil drainage and monitor soil moisture regularly.

How often to water parsnips

Water parsnips deeply once or twice weekly, depending on weather conditions and soil type. During dry spells or hotter weather, additional watering may be necessary to keep the soil consistently moist. Always check soil moisture by feeling the top two inches; if dry, it’s time to water again. As harvest approaches, moderate watering to prevent roots from splitting.

How long parsnips take to grow

Parsnips typically require a long growing season, ranging from 100 to 130 days from sowing to harvest. Their slow growth means patience is needed, but the resulting harvest is worth the wait. Planning by planting early ensures they have sufficient time to reach maturity before winter sets in.

When to harvest/pick parsnips

Harvest parsnips after the first frost in autumn, as cooler temperatures help convert starches into sugars, greatly enhancing their flavor. While smaller parsnips can be harvested earlier, full-sized roots are typically ready to harvest once they reach about 8 to 12 inches in length. You can continue harvesting throughout winter in milder climates or after the ground thaws in early spring.

How to harvest/pick parsnips

To harvest parsnips, loosen the soil around each root carefully with a garden fork or spade, being cautious not to damage the roots. Grasp the leafy tops firmly and gently pull the roots free from the ground. Remove any excess soil from the roots, and trim off the tops close to the root. Parsnips store well in a cool, dark, and humid environment.

Can you grow parsnips indoors

Parsnips are not suitable for indoor growing due to their long, deep taproots and extended growing period. They require deep, spacious containers and cooler outdoor temperatures to thrive. For best results, grow parsnips outdoors in garden beds or deep outdoor containers.

How to grow parsnips in pots/containers

If growing in containers, select a pot at least 18 inches deep to accommodate the long taproots. Fill it with well-draining potting soil enriched with compost. Sow seeds thinly, cover lightly with soil, and thin seedlings to about 4 to 6 inches apart once emerge. Place containers in full sun, and keep the soil consistently moist. Container-grown parsnips can provide a great alternative if garden space is limited, but ensure the pots are deep enough to allow proper root development.