Parsnips are an underrated root vegetable that can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden. With its sweet flavor, parsnips are a great side dish or can even be used in soups and stews.
Secrets of Planting, Growing and Harvesting Parsnips
I give you the humble Parsnip – also know as Forked parsley and Devils carrot. Parsnips are native to the Mediterranean region and have been a popular European food since at least the ancient Romans. They also tend to be a ‘Marmite’ Vegetable – you either love ’em or hate them and despite many claims they are NOT the easiest vegetable to grow.
Parsnips usually have a long creamy white root with top feathery leaves that resemble those of celery, which is not surprising seeing as it is a member of the Umbelliferae family also comprising of parsley, dill, fennel and carrots. Parsnips can be baked, mashed or made into chips and fritters.
How to Grow Parsnips
The secret to being successful with Parsnips really is to have suitable soil. As you are dealing with a root vegetable, deep, fertile, and sandy soil is best. If your soil is clay, stony, or shallow, I suggest you instead grow short-rooted parsnip varieties as normal Parsnips have an effective rooting depth of 35 to 45cm so need to grow in deep, sandy soils.
Acid soils should be limed before planting and heavy soils and stony soils are really not suitable. If you want to be successful with growing parsnips you really should test the pH of your soil prior to planting, testing kits are cheap and can save you a lot of wasted effort. Parsnips have a very long growing season, occupying the ground for nearly a year, so think carefully about where to plant them.
Choose a sunny site well away from trees, although parsnips can tolerate partial shade they will do much better in a sunny spot.
When to Plant Parsnips
Parsnips should be planted in the springtime. They need a period of cold weather in order to develop their starches and sweetness, so they should not be planted until after the last frost of the season. It is best to wait until the soil has warmed up before planting your parsnip seeds as they prefer warmer temperatures for germination. Planting too early may result in poor yields as the seedlings won’t have enough time to mature before winter sets in.
Soil Preparation for Parsnips
Parsnips prefer well-drained soils with plenty of organic matter. The pH should be around 6.5 – 7.5 and you will want to add plenty of compost or manure when preparing your beds for planting. Make sure you work the soil deeply so that it is light and fluffy, which will help ensure adequate drainage and aeration for your parsnip roots. When it comes time to plant your seeds, make sure you space them out appropriately as overcrowding can lead to stunted growth.
Parsnip Seed
Sow seed early in March, in deeply cultivated ground. Best planted at soil temperatures between 6°C and 21°C. Make the rows 2 ft. apart and utilize the space in between for radishes or lettuces. Sow 1/2 in. deep. The seed may take a month to germinate, so do not be alarmed at slow progress. As soon as the plants have four leaves, thin out to a little over 1 ft. apart. When they have done growing, at the end of October, take the plants up with a fork and expose them to the frost at night. They are then a sweeter flavour. If you leave them in the ground, they will be attacked by wireworms and so spoilt for use. Parsnips will help your winter kitchen full of vegetables. During a long period without rain (week or more) you should water gently but deeply once a week.
The Student is a popular variety, it’s medium-sized, wide tops, and one of the best tasting.
Growing parsnips in containers
Growing parsnips in containers is a great way to get a head start on the growing season. By sowing the seeds in pots or trays, you can protect them from cold weather and give them a warm, sheltered spot to germinate. Additionally, growing parsnips in containers allows you to control the soil quality and ensure that the plants have enough space to develop properly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when growing parsnips in containers. First, make sure that the pots or trays are large enough to accommodate the roots. Second, water regularly and fertilize regularly to ensure that the plants have all the nutrients they need. With a little care, you can successfully grow parsnips in containers and enjoy an abundant harvest.
Harvesting Your Parsnips
Parsnip roots take about 4-6 months from planting until harvest time, depending on variety and climate zone. The best way to determine when your parsnips are ready for harvest is by giving them a tug; if they come out easily then they are ready! If not, give them a few more weeks before trying again.
When the soil is moist you can grasp the leaves and carefully lever out the root from beneath with a hand fork, then shake off the soil. Lift the parsnips as required, leaving the rest in the soil until you require them.
Once harvested, store your parsnips somewhere cool and dark; this will keep them fresh longer while also helping retain their sweetness!
Parsnip Growing Tips
- The day before sowing soak your parsnip seeds overnight, it “softens” and makes for faster germination
- Always sow fresh seed, Parsnip seeds older than a year are unlikely to germinate
- Dig in some sand – it helps drainage as well as allowing the soil to warm up in spring
- Avoid fresh manure or compost as it can cause the roots to fork
- Plant directly where you want to grow, transplanting causes the roots to fork instead of growing straight
- Avoid planting in pots and containers are too small for the long tap root to adequately form
- Growing parsnips from cuttings results only in foliage and flowers (seeds!), it wont give you another tap root to harvest
Growing parsnips is a great way to add some variety into your veggie patch! Not only do these root vegetables taste great but they are also loaded with vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to stay healthy. With minimal prep work needed before planting, little maintenance during their growing season, and a relatively short harvesting window, parsnips are an ideal addition for beginner gardeners who want something easy yet rewarding.
