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How to Grow Parsnip

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

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🛒 Amazon 🌿 True Leaf

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Pastinaca sativa
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 100 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

🌱

Germination

8-21 days

Ready to Grow Parsnip?

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🔴 Difficult
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Biennial — leave roots in ground over winter and harvest seed umbels in year 2 when tan and dry.

Processing

Cut seed umbels into a bag, thresh and winnow to separate seeds. Sow fresh for best results.

Seed Viability

Up to 1 year when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Parsnip seed viability drops sharply after 1 year — always sow from the previous summer's harvest.

Seed Storage Supplies

✉️ Seed Envelopes 🗂️ Mylar Storage Bags 🧊 Silica Gel Packets 📋 Seed Organizer

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Parsnip Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Parsnip Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Parsnip? +

Sow Parsnip seeds directly in the garden 8 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Parsnip take to grow? +

Parsnip typically matures in about 100 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Parsnip indoors or direct sow? +

Parsnip does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Parsnip need? +

Parsnip requires full sun to thrive.

How much water does Parsnip need? +

Parsnip has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Parsnip? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Parsnip is rated difficult. Biennial — leave roots in ground over winter and harvest seed umbels in year 2 when tan and dry. Cut seed umbels into a bag, thresh and winnow to separate seeds. Sow fresh for best results.

How long do Parsnip seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Parsnip seeds remain viable for up to 1 year. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Parsnip seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Parsnip is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Parsnip

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a popular garden vegetable. It can be directly sown outdoors 8 weeks before your last frost date.

Expect your Parsnip to be ready for harvest in approximately 100 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.