How to grow Parsnips
How to grow Parsnips - Description
The full flavour of parsnips do not emerge until the parsnip roots have been exposed to near freezing temperatures. Because of this fact, parsnips are known as a winter vegetable.
Parsnips are a good source of carbohydrate, vitamin C, minerals such as potassium and calcium, and fibre.
Because of their long growing season many people like to grow catch crops in-between to make best use of their gardening patch.
How to grow Parsnips - Crop Rotation
Parsnip is a member of the Carrot Family, and it is recommended that it should not be grown in the same soil as other family members for at least three years.
How to grow Parsnips - Site & Soil
Parsnips will grow well in partial shade or full sun.
The soil should be reasonably fertile and of good depth (Parsnips are a root vegetable whose roots can reach 30cm in depth.
A soil of low fertiliity can be identified by stunted growth and the stems turning light green.
Organic compost incorporated into the soil before sowing will help even moisture distribution and aeration.
Dig the soil to at least 50cm (18 inches) for short varieties, 65cm (2 feet) for longer ones, and remove stones and other debris that could hamper root growth.
Bad things can happen to the growth of a parsnip if it is in poorly dug soil, or soil with many stones and other growing obstacles.
See the specimen in the image to the right which shows bad branching of the tender tap-roots of a parsnip.
Avoid any soil amendments high in nitrogen, as that can also cause branching.
Parsnips will perform well in most any kind of soil, but a pH of 6.2 to 7.2 ensures the best root development.
How to grow Parsnips - Sowing Seed
Parsnip seed is normally sown direct in the soil in which the plants will grow. However, it can also be sown in root-trainers which will ensure that the delicate root system is not damaged, and the seedlings can be planted out when they have grown three or four leaves.
Sow parsnip seeds 1cm (½ inch) deep and 2.5cm (1 inch) apart in wide rows; thin seedlings to 7 - 10cm (3 - 4 inches) apart.
Space rows 50 - 60 cm (18 to 24 inches) apart.
Seedlings ready to thin
Thin seedlings after they develop two true leaves; cut off thinned seedlings at soil level to avoid disturbing remaining seedlings.
Thinning is important; parsnips require adequate space for root development.
How to grow Parsnips - Care & Cultivation
When rainfall is lacking over summer water give the parsnips a good watering once a week to ensure continued growth.
You can add a straw or wood chip mulch after the seedlings have emerged to help retain soil moisture.
Remove weeds (if hoeing then hoe only the top inch of soil).
How to grow Parsnips - Harvesting
Do not harvest until there has been a couple of weeks of near freezing temperatures.
The cold results in the starch in the roots being converted into sugars which give the parsnip its sweet taste.
Use a spade to dig the parsnip root (up to 30cm in depth) out of the ground.
After you have harvested your parsnip roots clip off any remaining leaf stalks and wash and dry the root bulb.
Parsnips can be safely left in the ground over winter and harvested the next spring if required. If doing this, it is recommended that you harvest before the new tops and seed stalks start their growth or else the root will become fibrous and starchy (losing its sweet flavour).
How to grow Parsnips - Storing & Preserving
The best flavoured parsnips are ones that are lifted and taken into the kitchen straight from the ground. During the winter when the ground is frozen this will not be possible.
To give you parsnips during this period you should dig up some roots in the early winter for storing.
Store parsnips in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or in a cold, moist place for 2 to 6 months.
Alternatively, you can store parsnips in the same way as you would carrots.
Cut any leaves off close to the crowns and then pack them in layers of dry sand or peat in a large wooden box.
Put a lid on the top to keep our the light and place the box in a cool, dry and airy place.
