Growing Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa : Apiaceae / the umbelliferae family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in Australia - tropical regions

  • Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 6°C and 21°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 8 - 10 cm apart
  • Harvest in 17-20 weeks. Best flavour if harvested after a frost..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Swiss Chard (Silverbeet), Capsicum, Peas, Potatoes, Beans, Radishes, Garlic
  • Avoid growing close to: Carrot, Celery, Brassicas

Your comments and tips

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04 Nov 12, santa best (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where can i get parsnip seeds live in barberton area?
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11 Oct 12, Susan Myburgh (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in South Africa can I buy parsnips seed or teh carrots?
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20 Aug 12, Ron Rose (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I live in Louis Trichardt but cannot find seeds here, is there anywhere in Polokwane where these may be available?
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09 Jul 12, melody demeyer (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Please can you tell me where I can buy local parsnip seeds,I live in vereeniging,south africa?
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22 Aug 12, jack (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where can I buy parsnip seeds in Durban area
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Showing 11 - 15 of 15 comments
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My thoughts would be- your soil is not very rich and they went to seed or you planted too late in the season. I'm sub tropical and Gardenate suggests I can plant as late as Sept. They take approx 5 months to grow. So I would be picking mid to late Feb. Probably too wet and way too hot in my book to grow in summer. We are having 30 degree temps now. To me they are a winter crop. I have been eating mine for the last 4-5 weeks, so I must have planted in May. You say you are cool/mountain climate, are you having high temperatures.

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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