SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Javelin

Parsnip
Zone 1a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Javelin to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Javelin
110d to harvest

Sweet and luminous, Javelin parsnips develop a creamy, honeyed depth with a tender bite and a smooth, satiny surface that feels almost polished in the hand. At maturity, the long, spear-shaped roots hold their flavor beautifully—ideal for roasting until caramel-kissed, simmering into silky purées, or grating into rich sauces and hearty soups. Grow Javelin for a dependable 110-day season and a harvest that’s as satisfying to display as it is to savor.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Parsnip seed is slow and can be erratic—keep the bed evenly moist until emergence and thin to proper spacing once seedlings are established.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 110-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.
MilestoneDate
Last FrostJun 15th
Growing ApproachProtected Environment Only

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity110
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitTaproot
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)50
Min Soil Temp (°F)40
Min Night Temp (°F)28
Harden Off (days)Not Required

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Javelin in Zone 1a typically begins around Indoor Lights Only. Wait until soil reaches at least 40°F before transplanting Javelin.

Garden Alerts

Zone 1a has only 30 frost-free days — shorter than this crop's 110-day maturity. Outdoor planting is not viable; use protected cultivation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Pastinaca sativa (parsnip) called “Javelin,” and how do I manage it?
Parsnips are often hit by Alternaria leaf blight, which shows up as dark, sometimes ringed spots on older leaves and can reduce root quality. Remove and destroy infected tops as soon as symptoms appear, improve airflow with proper spacing, and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry. If problems keep recurring, switch to a fresh bed next season and don’t plant other Apiaceae (carrot/celery family) in the same spot for at least 3 years.
During the main growing phase, how often should I water Pastinaca sativa (parsnip) “Javelin,” and what soil moisture level should I maintain?
Water deeply about 1–2 times per week during active root growth, aiming to keep the top 6–8 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy. Let the soil surface start to dry slightly between waterings, because waterlogged beds can encourage root diseases and poor root form. Mulch lightly can help smooth out moisture swings—parsnips don’t like alternating very wet and very dry conditions.
How can I tell when “Javelin” parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) are ready to harvest?
Harvest after roughly 110 days (when roots have filled out and reach useful size), usually starting in early fall. Look for roots that are clearly thick at the soil line and gently loosen the surrounding soil so the taproot doesn’t snap; if the shoulders feel firm and well-sized, they’re ready. You can also leave them in the ground after maturity—one or two frosts often improves sweetness, but only harvest before the ground becomes too hard to dig.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 40°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Parsnip seed is slow and can be erratic—keep the bed evenly moist until emergence and thin to proper spacing once seedlings are established.

Botanical illustration of Javelin

Sweet and luminous, Javelin parsnips develop a creamy, honeyed depth with a tender bite and a smooth, satiny surface that feels almost polished in the hand. At maturity, the long, spear-shaped roots hold their flavor beautifully—ideal for roasting until caramel-kissed, simmering into silky purées, or grating into rich sauces and hearty soups. Grow Javelin for a dependable 110-day season and a harvest that’s as satisfying to display as it is to savor.