Now is a good time to sow Parsnip. Follow the sowing guide below.
Growing Calendar
This month: May
Log to journalStart seeds indoors this week
- •Fill tray with compost
- •Sow seeds evenly
- •Cover lightly with soil
- •Water gently
- •Place in warm light spot
Watch Out For
Germination is slow and patchy
use fresh seed every year and be patient; sow thickly and thin later rather than relying on sparse sowings
Canker causes brown rot at the crown
choose canker-resistant varieties and ensure good drainage to reduce the risk
Carrot fly attacks the roots
cover with fine insect mesh in late March to May and again in August when adults are active
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Parsnip in the UK
When should I sow parsnips in the UK?
Sow parsnips from February to April, directly where they are to grow — they dislike transplanting. Parsnips need a long season (up to 120 days) so early sowing is important. Germination is slow (3–4 weeks) and erratic; fresh seed is essential.
Why are my parsnips small?
Small parsnips are usually caused by late sowing, overcrowding (thin to 15cm), stony soil restricting root growth, or a dry summer. Always use fresh seed as parsnip seed loses viability quickly. Deeply dug, stone-free soil produces the longest, fullest roots.
Do parsnips taste better after frost?
Yes — frost converts starches in parsnip roots to sugars, giving the characteristic sweet, nutty flavour that parsnips are prized for. Leave roots in the ground until after the first hard frosts. Parsnips are at their best from November through February.
How do I prevent canker on parsnips?
Parsnip canker (brown, rotting patches on the shoulders) is caused by the fungal disease Itersonilia. Grow canker-resistant varieties (Gladiator, Javelin), avoid compacted or waterlogged soil, and do not sow too early in cold, wet conditions.
Member guides
There's more to growing Parsnip than this guide covers.
Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.
