![]() Parsnip plant photograph by Bill Burris (CC: ) Planting Only grow parsnips in soil that has been turned to 12 inches (30 cm) deep, be sure to remove all rocks and lumps to prevent forking and splitting of the root. Make sure that the manure added is aged, as fresh manure can cause root crops to fork. Parsnips prefer to be grown in full sun, although they tolerate partial shade, yields will be reduced.Īged compost or organic fertilizer should be added two to three months prior to the planting time. Parsnips are a winter root vegetable wit their full flavor only emerging once the roots have been exposed to near freezing temperatures. In some parts of the English-speaking world, roasted parsnip is considered an essential part of a Christmas dinner and is often featured in a traditional Sunday Roast. In some locations, this root crop is boiled and then the solid part removed from the stew or soup, leaving behind a flavor that is subtler than the whole root while also contributing to the thickening of the dish due to its high starch content. Pastinaca sativa is a good source of vitamin C, carbohydrates, and minerals such as calcium and potassium, and fiber. They are used in stews, casseroles, and soups, and can also be roasted or boiled Parsnips can also be fried or made into crisps. Parsnips can be eaten raw, but are more commonly served cooked. However, this process needs to be done by conducting the harvest before the new tops and seed stalks have initiated new growth, as the root will become starchy and fibrous, losing its sweet flavor if left for too long.ĭifferent varieties of parsnip include Hollow Crown Improved (95-135 days before harvest season) Tender and True (102 days) All American (105 days) Harris Early Model (100-120 days) Student (110 days) Gladiator (110 days) Cobham Improved Marrow (120 days) and Lancer (120 days). It can be left in the ground to over winter and be harvested the next spring if needed. The root crop can grow from four to nine inches (10 – 22 cm) long. Because they develop such long roots, parsnips need deeper soil than most containers can offer.Parsnips are biennials grown as annuals by gardeners, They reach from 2 to 3 feet (30 – 90 cm) in height with a spread of 6 to 12 inches (15 – 30 cm).įoliage is a medium green. While many vegetable crops make excellent subjects for growing in containers, unfortunately parsnips are not well suited to this method. ![]() They mature quickly and can be harvested long before the parsnips start to swell. If space is limited, why not sow a crop of radishes between your rows of parsnips to maximise the use of your land.Hand weeding is less likely to damage the developing parsnip roots. Weed between your rows of parsnips regularly.Water when necessary to keep the soil moist and try to avoid extremes of wet and dry soil as this may cause the roots to split. Once germinated, your parsnips will need little attention.When large enough to handle, thin out the seedlings to 10-15cm apart.During dry periods it’s especially important to keep the seed well watered to encourage good germination, particularly when growing on light, sandy soils.Direct sow your parsnip seeds in 13mm deep drills, keeping the rows 30cm apart.Once germinated, parsnips are low maintenance vegetables Avoid sowing your seeds in cold or wet soils as it is liable to rot. They need temperatures of around 12C (52F) to germinate, so don't sow them too early unless you use cloches to warm the soil first. Parsnip seeds can be direct sown outdoors from April to June, once the ground is workable. Parsnips have a relatively short viability period so it’s particularly important to order fresh parsnip seeds each year to get the very best crop. Strong and reliable, it has also shown strong resistance to root canker.ĭon't be tempted to use last year's leftover seed. Parsnip 'Warrior' - This British-bred variety produces flavoursome & chunky roots.Parsnip 'Albion' - Awarded an RHS Award of Garden Merit, this fine variety produces long, tapering roots of uniform size and is easy to grow.Parsnip 'Tender and True' - Virtually coreless with particularly sweet flesh, this variety is ideal for the show bench and the kitchen.Parsnip 'Gladiator' - The world's first F1 hybrid parsnip is still a well-respected show bench variety with good canker resistance and a sweet, earthy flavour.As a result, parsnips are definitely making a comeback. Image: Parsnip 'Albion' from Thompson & Morganį1 hybrid varieties have vastly improved this useful winter vegetable crop to provide disease resistance, smoother skins and better germination rates. Parsnip 'Albion' is easy to grow and holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit
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