Parsnip plants are biennial root vegetables in the family Apiaceae. They have a long, white root that resembles a carrot in shape, but is smoother and creamier in texture. The plant is native to Eurasia and is now widely cultivated in temperate climates around the world. Parsnips are a cool-season crop, and they require a long growing season of 120 to 180 days. They are usually planted in early spring and harvested in late fall. The leaves of parsnip plants are dark green and feathery, and the flowers are small, white, and clustered in umbels. The roots are high in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Planning Your Garden With Parsnips
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Parsnips are biennial. |
| USDA Zone | Parsnips are hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Parsnips are cold tolerant and can survive temperatures as low as 28. |
| Days to harvest | Parsnips typically take between 90 and 120 days to harvest, depending on the variety. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown parsnip plant is about 12-18 inches tall and 2-3 inches in diameter. |
| Spacing requirements | Parsnips prefer to be planted in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart, with individual plants spaced 4-6 inches apart within each row. |
| Sun tolerance | Parsnips can tolerate full sun, but they prefer partial shade. |
| Shade tolerance | Parsnips are tolerant of partial shade, but they do best in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Parsnips require an average of 1 inch of water per week. They will need more during periods of drought, and less during periods of heavy rain. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing parsnips depends on the soil type and fertility. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing parsnips is 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Parsnips are Popular
People like to grow parsnips because they are a versatile and delicious root vegetable. Parsnips have a sweet, nutty flavor that can enhance many dishes. They are also easy to grow, requiring little maintenance and can be harvested in the fall. Parsnips are also a great source of fiber and vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.
Companion Plants For Parsnips
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for parsnips include:
Common Pests For Parsnips
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow parsnips, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- flea beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- beetles
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
