Parsnips, a winter favourite, are versatile and require little care. Parsnips grow as biennials, but gardeners usually grow them annually because of their edible taproots. They grow well in cool weather and should be sown early in the spring. The slow-germinating parsnips require a long growing season to develop taste and are best after the first frost. Here is how to grow them.
How to Grow Parsnips
Sowing and Planting Parsnips
Parsnips thrive in light, free-draining soils with minimal disturbance. Sow parsnip seeds directly into the ground from mid-spring when the soil has warmed up to about 12°C. Avoid adding fresh manure or compost right before planting to prevent the roots from forking. Make shallow drills about 1cm deep, water the base, scatter the seeds thinly, cover with soil, and keep the soil moist until they germinate. Be patient, as parsnip seeds can take up to three weeks to germinate.
Thin out seedlings to 15cm between each plant, removing the weaker ones. This allows the roots room to grow without competition. Cover the rows with cloches or fleece to protect young plants from pests like carrot root flies.
Growing Parsnips
Parsnips are light feeders and require little maintenance other than regular weeding and watering in periods of drought. Mulch plants thickly with garden compost to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Harvesting Parsnips
Parsnips are best harvested from late autumn onwards. If you want them to develop a superior sweetness, you should wait until after the first frost. Using a garden fork, loosen the soil around the roots and lift them carefully to prevent damage. You may leave parsnips in the ground through winter, or you can dig them up and store them.
Pests and diseases
Although generally very strong, a few problems can affect parsnips. Carrot root fly can attack the roots, so protect the crops by covering them with horticultural fleece or erecting barriers around them.
Regular watering and growing canker-resistant varieties best prevent parsnip canker, which manifests as an orange-brown rot.
Varieties to Consider
Some popular varieties of parsnips include:
- Tender And True: A delicious heirloom variety, Tender and True parsnips are some of the best flavoured on the market. Its large, tender roots and resistance to canker make it an excellent choice for any garden or allotment. Hardy throughout the British Isles.
- Salsify (Sandwich Island): Also known as the known as the ‘Oyster Vegetable’, salsify is an old-fashioned heritage root with a sweet, nutty flavour slightly reminiscent of oysters. Tasty and easy to grow, salsify tastes great in soups, baked, boiled, or fried.