Parsnip Harris Model Seeds
When should I plant
Parsnips are a fairly frost tolerant cool-weather crop that can be planted for spring or fall harvest. They can also be overwintered in the ground for an early spring harvest. Direct sow seeds in spring about 2–4 weeks before the last frost date and again in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to cool back down. Hot weather will cause poor germination and poor quality roots, so for most gardeners, it is generally best to avoid growing parsnips during hot summer weather.
Site consideration
Plant your parsnips in a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Amending your beds with some well-aged compost is a good idea, but avoid anything too high in nitrogen. Ensuring that the soil is loose enough for parsnips is key. Loosen the soil deeply with a shovel or garden fork. Remove any rocks, or hard, clumpy soil from the area. The soil should be loose and fluffy. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in organic matter, sand, or compost to improve structure and drainage.
Water
Consistent moisture is the key to success. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, especially during the long germination period and as the roots begin to swell. A lack of water can cause the roots to become tough and woody, while inconsistent watering can lead to cracking. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.
Sunlight
Parsnips grow best in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate some light shade, full sun encourages the most vigorous root development and the sweetest flavor.
Seed Germination
Parsnip seeds typically germinate in 14–21 days when soil temperatures are between 50–70°F. Because parsnip seeds can have lower germination rates, sow seeds slightly thicker and thin seedlings later.
Transplant
Parsnips do not transplant well. They have delicate taproots that are easily disturbed. Always direct sow seeds exactly where they will grow to maturity. Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 3 to 4 inches apart to give the roots room to develop.
Other Elements
Fertilization
Parsnips are not heavy feeders, especially if you have enriched the soil the previous year. Over-fertilizing, particularly with too much nitrogen, can cause forked, hairy roots.
Best practice: Work a 1-inch layer of well-rotted compost into the bed before planting. Avoid fresh manure or high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Weed control
Keeping the planting bed weed-free is critical, especially during the early stages.
Carefully hand-pull weeds as they appear, avoiding disturbance of the young roots. Light hoeing between rows can help control weeds, but avoid deep cultivation near plants. Once established, parsnip foliage will shade the soil and help suppress weed growth.
Harvest
Parsnips are typically ready to harvest about 100–130 days after planting. Harvest when roots reach about 1–2 inches in diameter. For the best flavor, leave parsnips in the ground until after the first frost, which enhances their sweetness. Loosen the soil carefully with a garden fork before pulling the roots to avoid breakage.
Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.
For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.
Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
1. Improper drainage soil
2. Sowing depth more than one inch
3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
6. Lack of sunlight
7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.