How to grow Parsnip

Follow our guide to growing Parsnips and you'll be enjoying this delicious vegetable in no time!

 Parsnips require a loamy soil that is loose and free of debris and clumps to avoid malformation and forking.  

Parsnips prefer a full sun position. They will tolerate part sun, however this will affect the growth rate and size of the Parsnip.  

Yes, Parsnips are frost tolerant. 

Space Parsnips roughly 20cm apart.  

Parsnips are a cool season crop and can be grown from autumn through to spring. 

Parsnips should be directly sown into the soil rather than transplanted, as the seedlings are very fragile and do not like having their roots disturbed.

Prepare the soil well before planting, by mixing in plenty of compost. An organic, low nitrogen fertiliser can be added if needed. Too much nitrogen will promote leafy green top growth rather than root growth.  

Parsnips can be harvested over a long period. You will generally notice the base of the Parsnip emerge to the top of the soil when it is close to, or ready for harvest. You can also move the soil around the surface to check the diameter of the Parsnip, harvest at your preferred size. 

Pests that affect Parsnips include: Aphids, Carrot Rust Fly, Millipedes, Slugs, Snails, Root Knot Nematodes, Armyworms, Cutworm, Leafhopper. 

Diseases that affect Parsnips include: Carrot Leaf Blight, Powdery Mildew, Cavity Spot, Itersonilia Canker, Downy Mildew. 

Malformation and forking of the Parsnip can be avoided by planting in light soil, which is free of debris.