How to Grow Parsnip in New Zealand
Slow and fussy, so always use fresh seed as viability drops fast. Give it deep, stone-free soil for straight roots, and remember cold nights improve sweetness. It is more rewarding in cooler southern gardens than in the warm north.
When to plant parsnip in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best parsnip varieties for NZ
- Hollow Crown — Long heirloom roots with sweet flesh; slow to germinate but worth it. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
- Gladiator F1 — Smooth wedge-shaped roots with good canker resistance and sweet flavour. (Mr Fothergill's NZ, garden centres)
How to grow parsnip
- Space plants about 10cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 120 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 21 days.
Companion planting
Grow parsnip near: Rosemary, Beans.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Carrot rust fly, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Parsnip plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant parsnip in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy parsnip seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ.