Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, plant out 2 weeks before frost. For fall harvest, transplant 19 weeks before first frost, without additional protection. In a hoophouse, you can plant 2-3 weeks later. Cultivate soil loosely to 8-10”. Direct sow 1”, thin to 2-3” by trimming to avoid disturbing remaining plants. Keep soil moist for up to three weeks after sowing, can be difficult to germinate. Thrives in cool climates. Unlike carrots, parsnip roots keep very well in the ground in nearly all climates, grows sweeter with frost. Will keep 4-6 months stored in sand. Hill soil around bases to prevent greening of shoulders. Growing with onions can reduce carrot root fly damage. Soil pH 5.6-7.5. Hardiness zones 5. Biennial.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 4,900 seeds per ounce. Average 436M seeds per acre. Federal germination standard: 60%. Usual seed life: 2 year. Isolation distance for seed saving: 1 mile.
Planting Depth
1/2”Soil Temp. Germ.
50-75˚FDays to Germ.
14-28Plant Spacing
3-4”Row Spacing
18-24”Days To Maturity
90–120Storage
RefrigerateFull Sun,
Moist Well Drained Soil