Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
Botanical family: Apiaceae
An old root apiaceae, long central in Europe before the potato supplanted it. Sow April-May in place (only fresh seed of the year, slow to emerge, 3 weeks), loose deep soil, no fresh manure. Autumn harvest, sweeter after the first frosts, which convert part of the starch into sugars.
Sun to partial shade
Friable, deep, without stones
Moderate, regular
Very hardy (-15 °C)
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
Its taproot needs deep, loose, stone-free soil (RHS); in this site's rotation, parsnip comes before the legumes. Its umbel flower, in the second year, feeds hoverflies and small beneficial hymenoptera.
Good companions
Poor companions
Same family: shared diseases and pests
Insects attracted or useful
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Parsnips: an autumn harvest, better still after the first frosts.
Available: January, February, March, April, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Parsnips » (rhs.org.uk/vegetables/parsnips/grow-your-own)
- Garden Organic, « Parsnip » (gardenorganic.org.uk/expert-advice/how-to-grow/growing-guides/vegetables-herbs-guides/how-to-grow-parsnip)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture du panais » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-du-panais)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Warning: its fresh sap, especially that of the leaves and stems, contains photosensitising furocoumarins (psoralens), like hogweed or rue. Handling it in full sun, notably at harvest, can cause skin reactions of the phytophotodermatitis type (redness, sometimes burns): wear long sleeves and rinse exposed skin. The cooked root eaten normally is not concerned by this risk. Sources: Plants For A Future, “Pastinaca sativa”; ANSES, “Cet été, à quelles plantes faire attention pour éviter les intoxications?” (2022).
Family behaviour: Apiaceae
In general, Apiaceae are umbel plants (carrot, parsley, celery, coriander, dill) whose flowers attract precious beneficials: hoverflies, ichneumons, parasitoids. Fairly easy to pair, except fennel, they are useful along edges to feed beneficials.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.