How To Grow Parsnip Seeds

HISTORY

Parsnips originated in the eastern Mediterranean. Before the adoption of sugar cane, they were primarily grown as a sweetener. Parsnips were very popular in American gardens in the 19th and early 20th centuries. .

USES

• Many culinary uses

• Southern gardeners should sow seeds in fall for spring harvest. Northern gardeners should sow seeds 2-4 weeks before last frost.
• Plant seeds 1⁄2 inch deep and seed densely. The seeds will germinate slowly, and germination is usually very sparse.
• Try interplanting parsnips with radishes; the latter will help mark the row and you will harvest them well before the parsnips become crowded.
• Thin parsnips to 4 inches; they like lots of space per plant and they won’t thrive under competition from weeds.
• Ideal germination temperature is 50-75 F.
• Seeds germinate in 21-28 days.

• Parsnips do not like hot weather, yet they require a long season. This can present a challenge to some gardeners; however, proper timing will ensure a sweet, successful crop.
• Parsnips require deep, light, well-drained soil. Double dig the planting bed 12 inches deep and remove all stones and dirt clods. Amend with well-composted manure.
• Plant parsnips in full sun.
• Try straw mulch or careful cultivation, being sure not to damage the feeder roots.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Carrot rust fly can be a problem. Be sure to pull all parsnips from the ground when harvesting to limit the larvae overwintering. Row covers can also be helpful.

• Parsnips are biennial, so they will not set seed until they’ve experienced a winter’s chill. Fortunately, they are very cold hardy, and with a heavy layer of mulch they can survive the winter and will flower in the spring.
• Allow plants to flower and the seeds to dry on the plant.
• Hand pick the dried seeds and store in an airtight container.
• Parsnip seeds have a short shelf life, often only one or two years!