Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

biennial1×0.2 mzone 5–8light shade🍎 Edible

Profile

Family: Apiaceae
Habit: biennial
Height: 1 m
Spread: 0.2 m
Growth: fast
Lifespan: 2 years
First yield: after 2 years
Hardiness: zone 5–8
Shade tolerance: light shade
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture: semi-dry – moist
pH: 5.3 – 8.6

nectar sourcepollen source

Flowering & harvest

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowering
Fruit harvest
Leaf harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible8 of 10

Medicinal2 of 10

Other uses2 of 10

Growing

Parsnips prefer sunny sites with well-drained, fertile soil. Sow directly outdoors in early spring. The plants need regular watering, especially during the growth phase. Harvest the roots in autumn, ideally after the first frosts, when they taste sweeter.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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