Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Parsnip — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Pastinaca sativa |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–28 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 7.2–18.3 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 100–130 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 7.6–15.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 10.2–15.2 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow 3 seeds per station 1/2 in deep in very deeply dug, stone-free soil and thin to the strongest seedling; long taproots will fork in compacted ground. Parsnip germination is notoriously slow and erratic — sowing radish seed in the same row acts as a quick-germinating row marker. Leave roots in the ground through autumn frosts, which convert starches to sugars for a sweeter harvest. Wear gloves when handling foliage in bright sun to avoid phototoxic sap burns.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0