UK sowing calendar
When to sow parsnips in the UK
Parsnips sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | n/a |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Feb-May |
| Harvest | Oct-Feb |
Always direct sow into deep, stone-free soil - the long taproot cannot be transplanted, and seed must be fresh each year. Seed needs ~12C to germinate so don't rush cold ground (warm it under cloches for Feb-Mar sowings); leave roots in the soil and lift after the first frosts, which sweetens them.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for parsnips.
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When to sow parsnips in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow parsnips in the UK?
Sow parsnips outdoors feb-may. Always direct sow into deep, stone-free soil - the long taproot cannot be transplanted, and seed must be fresh each year. Seed needs ~12C to germinate so don't rush cold ground (warm it under cloches for Feb-Mar sowings); leave roots in the soil and lift after the first frosts, which sweetens them.
Can you sow parsnips outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant parsnips outdoors feb-may. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is parsnips ready to harvest in the UK?
Parsnips is typically harvested Oct-Feb in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow parsnips?
It depends on the month and your region. Parsnips has a UK outdoor window of feb-may; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.