Planting and Growing Guide for Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
Description
Parsnip are a traditional favorite for home gardeners. Parsnips are a hardy, cool-season crop that are best left in the ground and dug-up after a frost. Parsnips need very deep sandy or loam soil to grow to full size and length. Parsnips need a long growing season to come to full size. Use fresh seed and soak seed overnight to help with germination. After sowing the seeds keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, as if the soil dries out the seeds will fail to germinate. Consider covering the planted seeds with a wooden plank or mulch to ensure the soil is moist. When the roots have matured leave them in the ground until after the first frost or for a couple of weeks of really cold weather. The cold snap causes the starch in the roots to be converted into sugars. This process gives the parsnip its characteristic sweet taste. Carefully dig the parsnips out of the ground.
Parsnips are not only a tasty addition to soups and stews, but can be enjoyed as a side-dish with roast and grilled meat. They can be roast, steams, boiled and even grilled. Peel and roast with vegetables or meat. The sweetish flavour of parsnips enhances most other vegetables.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Plant seeds directly into the garden about 5 mm (1/2 inch) deep. Plant 3-4 seeds in each hole as germination rates are poor. Germination can take 2-3 weeks and so be patient.
Space between plants: Space plants about 5-10 cm (2-3 inches) apart, thinning out any extra seedlings. Space rows about 50 cm (20 inches) apart
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 12-18 weeks, but baby Parsnips can be harvested after 4-6 weeks.
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun or half shade
- Parsnip is frost tender, so plant seeds outdoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost is expected or later.
- Regular watering is required, especially in hot weather
- Water plants more frequently in summer
- Parsnip taste best and have firm crisp texture when they are grown quickly an steadily. So avoid drying them out to prevent growth checks
- Seedlings do not transplant well and so plant directly into the garden
- Do not over-fertilise with nitrogen as this will only promote the green tops, not root growth
- Feed regularly when past the seedling stage
- Plant in small batches so you can have freshly picked Parsnip over and extended season
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!