How to Grow Parsnips for Beginners

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If you want to add a few new vegetables that are a bit out of the norm to your summer garden, then this guide on how to Grow Parsnips for Beginners will get you off to a good start. Parsnips are a cold-weather crop and a great way to extend the growing season.

Gardening 101 is all about creating a garden full of the produce you love, making it a fun way to have more control over the way your food is grown.

Whenever I see a parsnip, I instantly think of crisp fall days. Their earthy sweetness just screams comfort food. There’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a hearty stew simmering—it’s enough to make anyone fall in love with the season.

If you’re new to gardening, growing parsnips is a fantastic way to bring that cozy, autumnal vibe straight to your table—and trust me, they’re worth the wait.

Things to Know About Growing Parsnips

Parsnips are a delicious and versatile root vegetable with a longer growing season. Planted in the spring, they’ll benefit from a fall frost and are ready to harvest before the ground freezes. Perfect for soups, stews, or even as a side dish, parsnips bring a unique flavor to recipes.

If you’re not familiar with parsnips, you’ve probably at least seen them. They look like large white carrots, and they’re rich in flavor with a slightly sweet taste. They’re quite tasty and you can even make stovetop fries with them; cut into thin strips and tossed with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil, then heated up in a skillet. They can be a healthy addition to any meal.

Parsnips are typically grown as an annual root crop, but they can be somewhat challenging for beginners. Getting the seeds to germinate can be tricky. But once they sprout, they’re pretty low-maintenance.

One of the biggest challenges with parsnip seeds is their short shelf life. They lose viability quickly, which can lead to low germination rates. To avoid this, it’s best to buy fresh seeds from a reputable source each year to ensure your seeds are healthy.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can let your parsnips flower and collect your own seeds. Just keep in mind that parsnips are biennials, meaning they won’t flower until their second year. This can be a challenge if you’re working with limited garden space.

Fun Fact: In medieval Europe, before sugar became widely available, parsnips were often used as a natural sweetener in desserts and baked goods. Their natural sweetness made them a go-to ingredient for satisfying those sweet cravings.

Types Of Parsnips

All parsnip varieties come from the same plant species, Pastinaca sativa, and they all have that classic cream-colored look. But not all parsnips are created equal—different varieties do better in different regions and have their own timelines for maturing.

When picking which one to grow, it’s a good idea to think about what works best for your local conditions. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular varieties:

• Albion: A hybrid variety ready for fall harvest. It matures in about 120 days and is good to go when the taproot reaches 10-12 inches.
• All-American: An heirloom variety that matures in about 95 days. Its taproots are around 3 inches wide at the top and about a foot long. This one can even be overwintered in areas where the ground doesn’t freeze solid.
• Gladiator: A hybrid known for quick germination, maturing in about 110 days. Harvest when the taproot is around 7 inches long.
• Harris Model: This variety is known for its thick, flavorful spears. It takes about 110-135 days to mature and can be harvested at 6-8 inches or left to grow larger for a more robust flavor.
• Javelin: Another hybrid, this one is designed for overwintering and a spring harvest. It matures in about 110 days and grows to about 10 inches.
• Sabre: A hybrid that can grow up to a whopping 5 feet! Just be prepared to dig deep when it’s time to harvest.
• The Student: An heirloom variety from England that can grow up to 3 feet deep in ideal soil. Typically, it’s ready to harvest at 15 inches, taking 95-125 days to mature.
• Tender and True: An RHS Award of Garden Merit winner, this variety takes about 150 days to mature. It’s best planted in spring and harvested in fall or winter.
• Warrior: A hybrid that matures in about 105 days. It’s not ideal for overwintering, so harvest when it’s 10-12 inches long.
• White Spear: An open-pollinated variety known for its uniform growth. It matures in 120 days and is best harvested at 10-12 inches.

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How Much to Plant

Depending on how often you want to enjoy them and what you think your family will eat, you should plan to plant 5 to 10 plants per person in your household.

Seed, Bulb, or Plant?

Parsnips are planted as seeds, directly sown in the ground. You won’t want to start seedlings for planting. Seeds only retain their vitality for a year or two so it’s best to get fresh seeds every year from a reputable source.

How Long Do Parsnips Take to Grow?

The amount of time it takes parsnips to mature depends entirely on the variety you choose, but most will be ready to harvest in 95 to 125 days.

What You Need to Grow Parsnips

Here is a quick overview of what you need to grow parsnips in your own backyard:

• Location: Choose a spot with well-draining soil so the roots don’t get waterlogged.
• When to Plant: Early spring is the best time since parsnips need a long season to grow.
• Sunlight: They thrive in full sun but can handle a bit of shade if needed.
• Soil: Go for loose, deep soil—parsnips like plenty of space to stretch out their roots.

When to Plant Parsnips

The best time to plant parsnips depends on where you live and the variety you’re growing.

• Cooler climates: Start sowing seeds as soon as the soil is workable in spring and has warmed up to at least 50°F. Parsnip seeds germinate best between 50°F and 70°F, but they can be slow to sprout—sometimes taking up to 3 weeks, or even longer if the soil is still chilly. Since they take a while to mature, it’s better to plant sooner rather than later.
• Warmer climates: If your soil doesn’t freeze, you can plant seeds a bit later. Around early July is a great time for a winter harvest. Letting the parsnips experience some winter cold will bring out their natural sweetness. Some varieties can even be overwintered for a spring harvest in mild climates.

How to Grow Parsnips for Beginners

Getting seeds to germinate is a bit tricky, but once they do, parsnips are easy to grow all the way to harvest.

#1. Temperature

The seeds will germinate best when the soil is between 50° and 70° F. If you’re planting in the summer for a fall/winter harvest, you can help the soil stay cooler with mulch or other ground covering. Once they germinate, you’ll want to wait for cooler weather to harvest; parsnips will get a little extra sweetness from a fall frost.

#2. Sun

Parsnips prefer full sun but they’ll tolerate partial shade from other crops. If possible, plant in an area that receives full sun throughout the day.

#3. Soil

Parsnips prefer a loose, rich soil. Since they’ll be growing underground and need plenty of space for growth, you’ll need to loosen the soil up to 12 inches deep and remove any rocks, twigs, or roots before refilling with soil to plant seeds.

Amend the soil with a good amount of compost or organic matter to provide nutrients for the soil. The perfect pH for your soil is between 6.0 and 7.0.

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#4. Water

Parsnips will germinate and grow best in soil that is moist but not wet. In loamy soil, water about an inch per week, including rainwater. If the soil is quick draining and sandy, try to water up to 2 inches a week, including rain and supplemental watering.

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#5. Fertilizing

An all-purpose fertilizer worked into the soil before planting will help support the growth of the parsnips.

How to Plant Parsnips

Prep your planting area by loosening the soil about 12 to 14 inches deep—parsnips need plenty of space to grow those long roots. Next, mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost, organic matter, or aged manure to give your parsnips a nutrient boost.

It’s best to sow the seeds directly into the soil since transplanting root veggies can lead to weird shapes or stunted growth. Plant 3 seeds per hole (not all will germinate) and thin them out as they grow. You can fit up to 9 seeds per square foot. Just make sure your seeds are fresh—anything older than a year might not sprout.

Spacing

Sow seeds about an inch apart in rows spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. This gives the roots plenty of room to grow without crowding each other. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out so there’s about 3 to 6 inches of space between each plant. Proper spacing helps ensure the roots grow straight and healthy.

Depth

Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep, just enough to cover them lightly with soil. If you plant them too deep, they might struggle to sprout. After sowing, gently pat the soil down to keep the seeds in place, and water lightly to help them settle in.

Diseases and Pests to Watch Out For

Just like other veggies in your garden, parsnips can attract a few unwanted guests. Here are some common pests and how to deal with them:

• Carrot Rust Fly: These tiny black flies with orange heads lay eggs in the soil near your plants. Their larvae love to munch on parsnip roots. Since they can overwinter in the soil, crop rotation is your best defense to keep them at bay.
• Willow-Carrot Aphids: These pale green or yellow pests attack the foliage and can spread viruses. Row covers are a great way to keep them off your plants. If you spot them, a quick blast of water from the hose should do the trick.
• Cutworms: These pests feed on roots and stems and can overwinter as eggs or larvae. If you’ve had issues with them before, turn over the top couple of inches of soil a few weeks before planting to expose them to hungry birds.
• Armyworms: These moth larvae bore into the roots of your plants. Check for eggs on stems and under leaves, and handpick them if you find any. Row covers can also help keep these pests away.

How To Harvest Parsnips

Check the seed package for the specific maturity time of your variety, but most parsnips are ready to harvest in about 95 to 125 days. Let them stay in the ground through a few frosts—this helps sweeten their flavor—but make sure to pull them up before the ground freezes solid.

If you’d rather leave them in the ground all winter, that’s fine too! Just cover the soil with a thick layer of mulch to protect them. Once the ground thaws in early spring, harvest them right away before they start growing again.

You’ll know your parsnips are ready when the roots are at least 1 inch in diameter. To harvest, simply grab the tops and pull the roots out of the soil. It’s as easy as that.

How to Store Parsnips

Before storing, be sure to trim any foliage down to no more than 2 to 3 inches. Parsnips are best stored between 32° and 35° F with a humidity of 90 to 95%. If you plan to store longer, up to 6 months, store in slightly damp sand, sawdust, or leaves.

Can You Grow Parsnips in Containers?

Yes, you can absolutely grow parsnips in containers, and grow bags are a fantastic option for this! Since parsnips need deep, loose soil for those long roots, using a grow bag gives them room to thrive while saving space in your garden. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:

Grow Parsnips in Grow Bags – Checklist

Growing parsnips in containers is totally doable, and grow bags make it even easier. They provide the deep, loose soil parsnips need while saving space in your garden.

1. Choose the Right Grow Bag: – Pick a deep grow bag, preferably 18-24 inches deep, to give the roots enough growing space. A fabric grow bag works well because it allows for better air circulation and drainage.
2. Prepare the Soil: – Fill the bag with a well-draining, loose soil mix. Add compost or aged manure to enrich the soil and give the parsnips a nutrient boost. Avoid compacting the soil so the roots can grow straight.
3. Sow the Seeds: – Plant seeds directly into the grow bag about 1/2 inch deep and an inch apart. You can sow 3 seeds per hole and thin them out later to leave the strongest seedling.
4. Water Regularly, but Don’t Overdo It: – Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Avoid waterlogging, as parsnips prefer good drainage. Monitor the bag to ensure excess water can escape.
5. Provide Enough Sunlight: – Place the grow bag in a sunny spot where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
6. Thin the Seedlings: – Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out so there’s 3-6 inches of space between each plant. This gives the roots plenty of room to grow straight and large.
7. Harvest with Care: – When the roots are around 1 inch in diameter and after a couple of frosts, gently pull them out of the grow bag.

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With some attention and care, parsnips in grow bags can be just as delicious as those grown in the ground. Plus, they’re a great option if you have limited garden space.

Growing Tips for Parsnips

• A couple of frosts will sweeten your parsnips, but don’t wait too long—harvest them before the ground freezes solid.
• Planting radish seeds alongside your parsnips is a clever trick! Radishes grow quickly, marking the row and loosening the soil for the slower-growing parsnips.
• Parsnips are slow to germinate, often taking 2 to 3 weeks—or even longer if the soil is below 50°F. To speed things up, soak the seeds in a damp paper towel for a day or two before planting, and keep the soil consistently moist.
• Once your seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them out so they’re spaced 3 to 4 inches apart. Snip the tops instead of pulling them to avoid disturbing the remaining plants.
• Use row covers to keep pests at bay and protect your plants.
• Keep the bed weed-free, especially when the plants are young. Adding a layer of mulch can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
• Make sure your parsnips stay hydrated during hot summer days if rain is scarce.
• If you’ve fertilized the soil before planting, you likely won’t need to fertilize again. Too much nitrogen can lead to leafy tops instead of robust roots.
• As the roots develop, mound soil around the base of the plants to prevent the tops of the roots from turning green.
• Be cautious when handling parsnips—their sap and leaves can irritate your skin. Wear gloves and cover your arms and legs when weeding or harvesting.

Parsnip Fries Recipe

Looking for a healthier twist on classic fries? These roasted parsnip fries are crispy, flavorful, and the perfect side dish or snack to satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients:

• 1-2 pounds of parsnips
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Peel the parsnips and cut them into 3-inch strips.
4. Place the parsnip strips in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Arrange the seasoned parsnips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
7. Flip the parsnips over and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Growing parsnips doesn’t have to be intimidating, even if you’re just starting out. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and these helpful steps, you’ll soon enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own crop of sweet, earthy parsnips.

Just a few things to remember, prep your soil for better root growth, ensure you have plenty of room for things to grow, and use care when planting seeds and you will be well on your way to a harvest that your neighbors will envy.

How to Grow Parsnips for Beginners, so you can add this amazing root vegetable to your growing lineup this season.

More How to Grow Resources:

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• How to Grow Watermelon
• How to Grow Cucumbers