Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a biennial vegetable in the Apiaceae family, native to Eurasia (Europe to western Asia). It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 12 cm (5 in) apart.
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Parsnip at a glance
| Type | Biennial vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 12 cm (5 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 27 °C (81 °F) |
| Flowering | about 60–74 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 150 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: roots |
| Native to | Eurasia (Europe to western Asia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Parsnip toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
- Parts: sap of leaves and stems
Sap contains furanocoumarins that can cause skin blistering when exposed to sunlight.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Parsnip
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Carrot fly: Carrot fly also attacks parsnip, celery and parsley; mesh or barriers protect them all. Evidence B
Questions about Parsnip
- How far apart should I plant Parsnip?
- About 12 cm (5 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Parsnip need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Parsnip need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Parsnip?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- When does Parsnip flower?
- About 60–74 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Parsnip poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people mildly toxic. Sap contains furanocoumarins that can cause skin blistering when exposed to sunlight.
- What grows well with Parsnip?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Parsnip. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Sown in spring, lifted from autumn through winter; flowers (and the root becomes woody) in the second year.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
- Mitsuba Cryptotaenia japonica