How to Grow Parsnip in Australia
A cool-season root crop for the home garden
Growing Parsnip at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$4-7/week, parsnips are expensive and often unavailable locally.
This guide covers when to plant Parsnip in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Parsnip is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in April, May, June and July. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Parsnip full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 30cm+ deep, though it is happier in the ground.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed about 1 cm deep. Thin or space plants to about 10 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 21 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 18 degrees.
Slow and fussy, fresh seed only (viability drops fast). Deep, stone-free soil for straight roots. Cold nights improve sweetness. Challenging in SEQ, rewarding in cool zones.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 5 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids and Carrot fly. The main diseases to watch are Canker and Powdery mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Parsnip is typically ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months). Fridge in the crisper, up to 2 weeks.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, parsnip is good roasted with honey and thyme, mashed like potatoes with butter, added to stews and casseroles and made into parsnip chips or crisps. Nutritionally: good source of fibre and vitamin C and contains minerals and antioxidants.
Companion Planting
Parsnip grows well alongside Rosemary and Beans. Keep it away from Carrot. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Parsnip Growing
Add parsnip to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Parsnip in Australia?
Parsnip is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in April, May, June and July. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Parsnip take to grow?
Parsnip is generally ready to harvest in around 120 days (about 4 months).
How much sun does Parsnip need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Parsnip in the Plant Library
