my LocalPlanting

How to Grow Parsnip

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

Get Your Exact Parsnip Planting Dates

Enter your ZIP, city, state, or zone for a personalized planting calendar.

Try:

Ready to grow Parsnip?

Order seeds from trusted suppliers.

Amazon True Leaf

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Supplies You'll Need

Raised Garden Bed Vegetable Garden Soil Hand Trowel Set Watering Can

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

Buy on Amazon True Leaf Market

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine View all states →

Other Plants

Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini Sunflower Marigold Zinnia Nasturtium Cosmos Echinacea (Coneflower) Petunia Black-eyed Susan Apple Tree Pear Tree Peach Tree Plum Tree Sweet Cherry Tree Lemon Tree Borage Lemongrass Ginger Stevia Tomatillo Edamame Fava Bean Mâche Mizuna Sorrel Shishito Pepper Banana Pepper Watermelon Radish Napa Cabbage Popcorn Broccoli Raab Catnip Valerian Lemon Verbena Bee Balm Anise Lovage Chervil Summer Savory Dahlia Snapdragon Pansy Sweet Pea Morning Glory Hollyhock Larkspur Bachelor Button Columbine Impatiens Salvia (Annual) Sweet Alyssum Celosia Lupine Verbena Elderberry Grape Vine Red Currant Gooseberry Serviceberry Fig Tree Avocado Tree Persimmon Tree Olive Tree Tulip Daffodil Crocus Hyacinth Grape Hyacinth Ornamental Allium Bearded Iris Snowdrop Asiatic Lily Gladiolus Hydrangea Rose Lilac Azalea Rhododendron Butterfly Bush Peony Hosta Daylily Red Maple Japanese Maple Flowering Dogwood Southern Magnolia Eastern Redbud Crape Myrtle Arborvitae Boxwood

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.