Vegetable · Apiaceae family
parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
In short a 10-second read
Parsnip (vegetable) grows to 0.3–0.9 m tall and 0.2–0.4 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in March–May. Harvest in September–December. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 0.2–0.4 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: little
Soil: clay, loamy, sandy
Soil pH 6–7.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Sowing
direct sowing: March–May
Harvest
September–December
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow parsnip?
In March–May (direct sowing).
When is parsnip harvested?
In September–December.
Does parsnip tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does parsnip need?
At maturity 0.2–0.4 m wide and 0.3–0.9 m tall; recommended spacing 20 cm.
Does parsnip survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (9)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Pastinaca sativa
- The Old Farmer's Almanac — How to Grow Parsnips
- RHS — Parsnips — grow your own
- Wikidata (CC0) — Pastinaca sativa
- EPPO Global Database — Pastinaca sativa
- USU Extension - How to Grow Parsnips
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
