Parsnip Seeds, Half Long Guernsey
Half Long Guernsey Parsnip with slices on marble background.
Half Long Guernsey freshly pulled from garden.
Parsnip Seeds, Half Long Guernsey
Half Long Guernsey Parsnip with slices on marble background.
Half Long Guernsey freshly pulled from garden.

Parsnip Seeds,
Half Long Guernsey

3.710 ReviewsSKU: #PR103Min. seed count: 600
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Description

The Guernsey variety was the most popular parsnip of the 19th century. Introduced prior to the 1850s, this variety is medium long, and has thick shoulders and smooth white skin. The flavorful flesh gets even sweeter after a good frost in autumn. In 1898, Nebraska Seed Company of Omaha said, “As name indicates, not as long as the Hollow Crown. Quality very sweet and delicate.”

Growing Tips: Parsnips require deep, light, fluffy soil. Double-dig the planting bed and amend with well-composted manure. Plant in earliest spring, as soon as soil can be worked.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Pastinaca sativa
Life Cycle
Biennial
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
21–28
Days to Maturity
100–120
Planting Depth
¼–½ in.
Plant Spacing
6 in.
Ideal Temperature
50–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Half Long Guernsey is the medium-long parsnip of the group, but it still wants a run of 100–120 days, and parsnips do not like hot weather, so timing is what makes the crop. Northern gardeners should sow 2–4 weeks before the last spring frost; southern gardeners should sow in fall for a spring harvest.

Sow ½ inch deep and seed densely; germination takes 21–28 days at 50–75°F and is usually very sparse, then thin to 6 inches. Leave the roots in the ground through the first autumn frosts — the flavorful flesh gets even sweeter after a good frost.

How to Sow and Plant

  • 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.

How to Grow

  • 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.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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!

FAQ

How does Guernsey compare with Hollow Crown?

It is medium long, with thick shoulders and smooth white skin. In 1898 the Nebraska Seed Company of Omaha put it this way: “As name indicates, not as long as the Hollow Crown. Quality very sweet and delicate.”

Does frost change the flavor?

Yes. The flavorful flesh gets even sweeter after a good frost in autumn.

Can I save seed from Guernsey?

Parsnips are biennial and will not set seed until they have experienced a winter's chill. They are very cold hardy, and with a heavy layer of mulch they can survive the winter and flower in spring. Let the seed dry on the plant, hand pick it, and store it in an airtight container — parsnip seed has a short shelf life, often only one or two years.
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