Parsnip Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Parsnip Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Parsnips

Planting Schedule:
Kick off your parsnip planting journey right after the last frost has passed, extending up until mid-summer. Aim for soil temperatures between 10-25°C (50-75°F) to ensure a smooth germination process. Patience is key, as seeds typically sprout within 14-21 days.


Seed Starting:
Plant your seeds shallowly, between 5mm and 1cm deep. Enhance moisture retention and shade by covering the seeds with a thin layer of compost and, if available, utilize a row cover.

Once the seedlings are up, thin them out so they stand 7-10 cm apart, within rows spaced 45-60cm apart, ensuring each plant has ample room to grow.


Growing:
For thriving parsnips, maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Like preparing carrots, loosen the soil deeply before planting. For exceptionally long parsnips, consider creating holes up to 60cm deep.

Remember, parsnip leaves can irritate the skin for some, so it's wise to wear long sleeves and gloves when handling.


Harvesting:
Parsnips taste best after experiencing a few good frosts, enhancing their natural sweetness. Begin your harvest in late summer and continue into winter as needed. In colder climates, protect them with a thick layer of straw mulch to prevent freezing.

Parsnips can last through the winter if stored in well-drained soil. A single 6-meter row is ample for a typical family's needs.

Parsnips Pests & Diseases

Carrot Rust Fly Maggot:
Delay sowing your parsnip seeds until late spring or early summer. The carrot rust fly has two main laying periods: early spring and late summer. By timing your plantings, you can avoid these peak periods.

Utilize floating row covers immediately after planting to prevent the flies from laying eggs near your plants. Secure the edges to ensure flies cannot get underneath. Integrate strong-smelling plants like onions, leeks, and garlic around your parsnips. These act as natural deterrents for carrot rust flies.

At the first sign of infestation, carefully remove and destroy affected plants to prevent the maggots from maturing and spreading. Then, apply specifically beneficial nematodes that target the larvae of carrot rust flies. These microscopic worms attack and kill the maggots without harming the plants.