Vegetable:
Parsnips
1. When – Plant in the early spring (2-3 weeks before your last spring frost date) as long as soil temperatures are around 50 degrees. Parsnips can take 3 weeks to germinate. Soaking the seeds overnight before planting can help speed up this process slightly.
2. Where – 3-4 hours of direct sun at a minimum, preferably up to 6 hours if possible. Parsnips can tolerate partial shade but the crop will not grow to its full potential.
3. How – Plant seeds 1/2 inch into the surface of the soil, with many seeds scattered in your row. Once plants are a few inches tall, thin out plants so they are around 4-6 inches spaced apart. Avoid planting in heavy soil that contains rocks, as the carrots need space to grow or they will become deformed.
4. Harvesting – You’ll know the Parsnips is ready to grow when the foliage starts to die down in the later summer/autumn time. Trim the foliage around an inch above the roots, and use your gardening tool of choice to dig out the root.
5. Tips – Fertilize with 5-10-10. Feel free to leave a few plants in the ground and do a separate harvest later on in the fall so you do not get overloaded with too many parsnips at once.
Type:
Biennial (harvested during the first year)
Time to harvest:
120-180 days
Plant Origin:
Europe around 2,000 years ago
How to Cultivate 