How to Sow and Grow Parsnips

Parsnips are a rewarding root vegetable to grow in your garden. Their sweet, nutty flavour adds depth to winter soups, roasts and stews. Not only are they a cold-hardy crop that can withstand frost, but they also store well, allowing for an extended harvest season. However, parsnips are somewhat slow-growing and require patience and care to reach their full potential. If you’re new to growing parsnips, don’t worry—this guide will take you through every step of the process, from sowing seeds to harvesting.

Preparing the Soil

Parsnips require a sunny location with deep, loose, and well-draining soil. They can grow quite long, so compact or rocky soil can lead to deformed or stunted roots.

Soil Preparation

• Till Deeply: Till or dig the soil to at least 30-35 cm deep to break up any compacted layers.
• Remove Rocks and Debris: Carefully remove any rocks, clumps, or debris that could obstruct root growth.
• Enrich the Soil: Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil a few weeks before sowing. Avoid using fresh manure, as it can lead to forked roots.

Sowing the Seeds

Timing

Parsnip seeds are best sown directly outdoors in early spring, ideally around 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date. Parsnip seeds are slow to germinate, often taking 2-3 weeks, so getting them started early is crucial. They do not transplant well, so avoid starting them indoors.

Sowing Process

• Create Furrows: Using a hoe or your finger, create shallow furrows about 2 cm deep and space them about 30 cm apart.
• Sow the Seeds Sparingly: Sprinkle the seeds thinly along each furrow, aiming for around one seed every inch.
• Cover Lightly: Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and gently pat it down.
• Water Gently: After sowing, water the area lightly to keep the soil moist. Take care not to displace the seeds.

Maintaining Growing Conditions

Thinning the Seedlings

Once seedlings have emerged and are about 8 cm tall, thin them to one plant every 10 cm. This spacing allows the roots to grow to full size without competition. Avoid pulling out unwanted seedlings, as this can disturb the neighbouring plants—snip them at the soil level instead.

Watering

Parsnips need consistent moisture, especially as seedlings and during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can lead to rot. A deep watering once or twice a week should suffice, depending on your climate.

Mulching

Mulching around the plants with straw, grass clippings, or compost will help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Be careful not to cover the seedlings until they are established.

Feeding

Parsnips are relatively low-maintenance once established and don’t require heavy feeding. If your soil is poor or sandy, consider a side dressing of compost.

Protecting from Pests and Disease

Parsnips are generally resilient, but they are susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Carrot Root Fly: Carrot root flies are a common pest for parsnips, laying their eggs at the base of the plants. To prevent an infestation, consider using row covers, which act as a barrier. Companion planting with onions can also help deter carrot root flies.
• Aphids and Slugs: These pests may feed on young leaves, so keep your garden clean and remove any dead plant material that could attract them.
• Fungal Diseases: Root rot and leaf blight are fungal issues that can occur in overly wet or humid conditions. Good drainage, crop rotation, and adequate spacing can help reduce the risk.

Harvesting Parsnips

One of the best things about parsnips is that they get sweeter after frost exposure, making them ideal for late autumn or winter harvests. Harvesting after the first frost concentrates their sugars, creating a rich and flavorful root.

When to Harvest

• Parsnips mature in about 4-6 months, depending on the variety. They are usually ready to harvest from late fall to early spring.
• The tops of the roots may begin to show above the soil surface as they mature, giving you an idea of their size.

Harvesting Process

• Loosen the Soil: Gently loosen the soil around each root with a garden fork to avoid breaking them.
• Lift Carefully: Pull the parsnips out of the ground carefully, lifting straight up to avoid snapping them.
• Store Appropriately: Parsnips can be left in the ground and harvested as needed, but if the ground freezes solid, you’ll need to dig them up before that. Store them in a cool, dark place (like a root cellar) or refrigerate them for up to a month.

Additional Tips for Growing Parsnips

• Use Fresh Seeds Each Year: Parsnip seeds lose viability quickly, so it’s best to buy new seeds each season for optimal germination rates.
• Rotate Crops: Rotate where you plant parsnips each year to avoid soil-borne diseases and pests.

 Parsnip Hollow Crown

Growing parsnips requires a bit of patience, but the result is a hearty vegetable that will bring sweetness and depth to your winter table. By following these steps and allowing your plants the time they need to develop, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful crop of deliciously sweet parsnips to enjoy all season long. Happy growing!