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VegetablesHardyBiennial
Parsnip
Parsnip is a long-season root crop grown for large pale roots that develop a richer sweeter flavour after cold weather. It is especially valued for autumn and winter cooking and can often be left in the ground until needed.
Basic information
Category
Vegetables
Lifecycle
Biennial
Hardiness
Hardy
Planting partners
2 companions · 1 crop to avoid
Growth profile
Days to harvest
120 days
Germination window
14–28 days
Germination temperature
10–21 °C
Plant spacing
10 cm
Row spacing
30 cm
Sowing depth
2 cm
Height
60 cm
Spread
10 cm
Calendar
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
Sow Indoors
Sow Outdoors
Plant Out
Flowering / Harvest
Timings based on average frost dates in the UK. Sign up to set your frost dates.
Care tips
Use fresh seed every year, because germination drops quickly in stored seed, and keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings are up. Thin to the correct spacing, keep the crop weed free, and allow roots time to bulk up before lifting in late season.
Common pests
Carrot root fly, canker, slugs, wireworm.
