Parsnip

Basic Information

Seed Number

194

Seed Name

Parsnip

Variety

Hollow Crown

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Apiaceae

Plant Type

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

Planting Method

Direct Sow

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 15

Last Recommended Planting Date

May 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May

Indoor Start

Not recorded

Direct Sow

Mar 15 – May 15

Transplant

Not Recommended

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not Recommended

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not Recommended

Germination Days

14–56 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

50-70°F

Planting Depth

3/4 in

Plant Spacing

3-4 in

Row Spacing

18 in

Thin-To Spacing

3-4 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep soil evenly moist during the long germination period and provide regular moisture during root development

Soil Preference

Deep, loose, stone-free, well-drained soil

Minimum Container Size

18+ in deep

Plant Height

Not recorded

Perennial/Biennial Status

Biennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

Utah State Extension; Alliance of Native Seed Keepers; MSU Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow only; use fresh seed
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Apr 1 – May 20
Germination Time: About 14–21 days; can be slow
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 110–120 days
Container Friendly: Yes, but use a deep 14–18+ in container
Pollinator Friendly: Low when harvested; second-year flowers attract beneficial insects
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary root
Perennial?: Biennial botanically; grown as an annual root crop
Succession / Reusable Notes: Usually one spring sowing because roots need a long season; harvest after frost for sweeter flavor.
Zone 6B Notes: Long-season crop that handles cold well; leave roots into late fall after frost if desired.
Companion Plants: Peas, lettuce, radishes, onions
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Parsnip seed loses viability quickly; use fresh seed. Keep seedbed evenly moist during slow germination and use deep, stone-free soil.
Sources: Utah State Extension: https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/parsnips-in-the-garden | Alliance of Native Seed Keepers: https://www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com/products/parsnip-seeds-hollow-crown | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Direct sow early because parsnips require a long season. Roots can remain in the ground through frost, and cold temperatures improve sweetness.
Germination: Parsnip seed germinates slowly and loses viability quickly. Keep the seedbed continuously moist and use fresh seed. Germination can take several weeks, especially in cold soil.
Harvest: Harvest after one or more frosts for improved sweetness, or mulch heavily and harvest through winter where soil remains workable.
Seed Saving: Parsnip is biennial. Roots must overwinter and flower the following year. It can cross with other flowering Pastinaca sativa.
Special Care: Hollow Crown is an old long-rooted parsnip. Deeply cultivated, stone-free soil is important to prevent forked roots.
Research Source: Kings Seeds — https://www.kingsseeds.com/13403-parsnip-hollow-crown — Hollow Crown identity, March-May direct sowing, 3/4-inch depth, 18-inch row spacing, long germination period and winter harvest
Research Source: Ontario Seed Company — https://www.oscseeds.com/product/hollow-crown-improved-parsnip-seeds-1880/ — Hollow Crown Improved identity and germination potentially taking about 3 weeks or longer
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]