Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
Also known asGarden parsnip · Wild parsnip (cultivated) · Pastinake · Chirivía
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 2–9 (winter low around -46°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1.6 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A deep-rooted crop needing substantial medium depth. The taproot grows 20–35 cm long (some varieties exceed 40 cm), so it needs deep media beds or very tall containers with about 40 cm of loose, stone-free substrate; any obstruction or compaction makes the root fork. EC 1.4-1.8 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature: 4–22°C (cool-season; heat above 25°C gives poor root quality). Moderate light (DLI 14-22 mol/m2/day). Long season: 100-180 days from seed. Direct seed, since parsnips transplant poorly because the taproot is the product. Seed viability falls off quickly, so use fresh seed from the current season. Germination is slow (2-3 weeks at best, sometimes longer). Thin seedlings to 8–10 cm spacing. Frost before harvest improves sweetness. Short-rooted varieties ('Gladiator', 'Lancer') are more practical for shallower beds than the traditional long types. The tops can cause phytophotodermatitis (a skin reaction when sap meets sunlight), so wear gloves when handling the foliage.