How to Grow Parsnip

Pastinaca Germination Information

Pastinaca is the botanical name for Parsnip
Pastinaca Seed Germination How to Sow Pastinaca:
  • Best sown outdoors in situ as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring
  • In Zones 8 and warmer, sow them in the fall for harvesting the following spring
  • Germination is slow (21-25 days) and in low percentages (sow heavily)
  • Seeds can also be sown indoors at a temperature of 68-70° with germination in 10-15 days
  • When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
  • Seeds do not store well

How to Grow Pastinaca:
Transplant: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves.

Light and Soil:  Site in full sun in a deep, fertile, light, sandy, well-drained soil that is free of stones. Fertilize prior to planting and again mid-way through the season. Keep well watered and mulch the plants to conserve moisture

Spacing: Space 3-6 inches apart in rows spaced 15-18 inches apart

Appearance and Use:

This biennial vegetable is usually grown as an annual. Plants grow 18-36 inches tall and are grown for their edible, large, carrot-like, white roots. Dig them any time after frost. The longer they are subjected to cold, the sweeter their flavor. Use the roots fresh or store in a cool place until needed. In the South, they may be left in the ground all winter and dug as needed. Harvest them before the flowers appear or they will turn woody.


About Pastinaca:
Pronunciation:  pas-ti-na’kå sa-te’vå
Lifecycle:  Vegetable
Origination: Apiaceae; native to Eurasia
Common Name: Parsnip