Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade

Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium

Onion

Onions are said to deter carrot rust flies, which also affect parsnips.

Lettuce

Lettuce provides ground cover and helps retain soil moisture.

Radish

Radishes can be used as a trap crop for root maggots, protecting parsnips.

JFMAMJJASOND

emergenceSeeds germinate and seedlings emerge after the last spring frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 5°C.

floweringFlowering typically occurs in the second year, initiated by lengthening days, approximately 90 days after emergence.

fruitingFruits (seeds) develop after flowering, maturing over about 45 days.

harvestRoots are typically harvested in late autumn after the first frost, which sweetens them, or from mid-summer onwards for smaller roots.

dormancyPlants enter dormancy with the onset of the first autumn frosts, overwintering as roots.

senescenceFoliage dies back after the first hard autumn frosts, signaling the end of the growing season for the aerial parts.

Drainagewell-drained

Nitrogen fixingNo

MycorrhizalYes

Accumulatespotassium, calcium

Soil textureloam, sandy_loam

Organic matterMedium

Compaction toleranceLow

Methodsseed

Difficulty2 / 5

Establishes in~1 yr

Stratificationcold stratification improves germination

Self-seedingModerate

Attractsbeneficial insects, pollinators

Can host pestscarrot rust fly, aphids

Can host diseasescanker