When to plant Parsnip in Subtropical Australia

Subtropical zone — applies to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and similar areas. Growing elsewhere? Temperate · Cool · Tropical · Arid.

Sow parsnip direct across the cooler half of the year in the subtropics — February through September is the window, with autumn sowings the most dependable. This hardy root actually improves in flavour after cool nights, so it fits the mild subtropical winter far better than the humid summer. Be patient at every stage: the seed is famously slow, taking 20 to 30 days to germinate, and the roots need 120 to 140 days in the ground. Around Coffs Harbour and the cooler tablelands they do particularly well. Sow the seed shallowly at 5mm directly where it will grow, as parsnip resents any disturbance to its long taproot.

Sowing calendar — subtropical zone

Green months are your sowing window: February to September.

Growing notes

Parsnip belongs to the subtropical cool season, and getting it started is the hardest part. The seed is short-lived and slow, so always use fresh seed each year and keep the surface consistently moist for the full 20-to-30-day germination — a dry afternoon in a warm February can kill emerging seedlings outright. Sow direct into deep, loose, stone-free soil, because any obstruction forks the root, and never transplant. Thin seedlings to 5 to 10cm apart with 35 to 50cm between rows.

Autumn and early winter sowings are ideal, letting the roots swell through the cool months and sweeten as temperatures drop. Late sowings pushing into September risk the roots maturing as the humid warmth returns, when they are more prone to rot in the ground. Avoid freshly manured beds, which cause the same forking as stones.

In a humid climate the crop's soil-borne troubles matter more than its foliage. Waterlogged beds bring root rot, so choose a raised, free-draining position and water steadily rather than heavily. Lift the roots as you need them through winter — they hold well in cool soil and only sweeten further after the first proper chill.

Parsnip at a glance

Common questions

When should I plant parsnip in the subtropics?

Sow direct from February to September, with autumn plantings the most reliable. The roots sweeten as they mature through the cool winter months.

Why won't my parsnip seed come up?

Parsnip seed is slow and short-lived, taking 20 to 30 days to germinate. Always use fresh seed and keep the soil surface constantly moist, as a single dry spell will kill the seedlings.

How long does parsnip take to grow?

Allow 120 to 140 days from sowing to harvest. It is a long-season root, so an autumn sowing is picked through winter and into spring.

Why are my parsnip roots forked?

Forking is caused by stones, compacted soil or fresh manure obstructing the taproot. Sow into deep, loose, well-dug soil and never transplant seedlings.

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