

Being hardy, the taproot can remain in the ground during the winter, enduring the freezing of the soil. During a period of low temperature, such as the first frost of the year, after growing in the summer, much of the starch in the root is converted to sugar, yielding a distinctive, sweet flavor. The edible taproot is fleshy, long (can be over 80 centimeters at times), and white. Pastinaca sativa is an biennial plant that is strongly-scented and grows to over 1.5 meters in height. The earlier name Umbelliferae derives from the inflorescence being in the form of a compound "umbel." The small flowers are radially symmetrical with 5 small sepals, 5 petals, and 5 stamens.
#PARSNIPS PLANT HOW TO#
More tips: How to Harvest and Store Parsnips.Apiaceae is a large family with about 300 genera and more than 3,000 species. ‘All American’ (105 days) ‘Cobham Improved Marrow’ (120 days) ‘Gladiator’ (110 days) ‘Harris Early Model’ (100-120 days) ‘Hollow Crown Improved’ (95-135 days) ‘Lancer’ (120 days) ‘Student’ (110 days) ‘Tender and True’ (102 days). Store parsnips in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or in a cold, moist place for 2 to 6 months.Complete the harvest before the return of warm weather or roots will become pithy.Dig roots before the ground freezes and becomes unworkable.Cold temperatures will increase the sweetness of roots. Roots can stay in the garden through the winter if the ground does not freeze.Lift parsnips with a spading fork being careful not to damage roots.Parsnips reach maturity 100 to 130 days after sowing.Parsnips have no serious disease problems.ĭig parsnip roots before the ground freezes and becomes unworkable.Root maggots may be troublesome discourage flies from laying eggs near the plants by putting a 3 to 4 inch (7-10cm) square of plastic around each plant.Parsnips are generally not bothered by pests.In warm regions, mulch to regulate soil temperature roots will grow short if the soil temperature is too high.Where the ground may freeze, add 6 to 10 inches (15-25cm) of straw or mulch above plants before the first snow harvest roots as needed in winter.Cultivate shallowly to avoid damaging roots. Keep planting beds weed-free to avoid competition for light, water, and nutrients.Side dress plants at midseason with aged compost.Add aged-manure to planting beds in advance of planting. Prepare planting beds with aged compost.As roots approach maturity, reduce watering to avoid cracking.Parsnips require moist but not wet soil for uninterrupted root development.As roots approach maturity, reduce watering to avoid cracking. Parsnips require moist but not wet soil for uninterrupted root development. Parsnips can be grown in containers but require at least 18 inches (45cm) of root space.Avoid planting with cabbage family crops, tomatoes, and tomatillos.Good companion plants for parsnips include beets, carrots, rutabagas, and root vegetables.Thinning is important parsnips require adequate space for root development. Thin seedlings after they develop two true leaves cut off thinned seedlings at soil level to avoid disturbing remaining seedlings.Space rows 18 to 24 inches (45-61cm) apart.Sow parsnip seeds ½ inch deep and 1 inch (2.5cm) apart in wide rows thin seedlings to 3 to 4 inches (7-25cm) apart.Parsnips will tolerate cold and freezing temperatures at both the start and end of their growing time.Parsnips require a long, cool growing season where the average temperature is between 45☏ and 65☏ (7-18☌).Add manure only if it is aged manure too fresh will cause root crops to fork. Prepare planting beds two to three months in advance adding well-aged compost.Parsnip prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8.Grow parsnips in soil that has been turned to 12 inches (30cm) deep where all lumps and rocks have been removed so that roots do not split and fork.
#PARSNIPS PLANT FULL#

Sow parsnip seed in soil that has been turned to 12 inches deep. Plant 10 parsnips per household member.In warm-winter regions, parsnips can be planted in autumn. Sow parsnip seed directly in the garden 2 to 3 weeks before the average date of the last frost in spring.
