Parsnips can be planted in the spring or summer, when soil temp is between 45-85° usually between April-late June. Sow ½” deep, 1-2” between seeds in rows 18-24” apart. Seeds normally take 3 weeks to germinate, so keep soil moist until emergence. Thin plants to 2-3” apart.
Dig roots in the fall after 1st frost but before ground is frozen, or leave in the ground through the winter. If overwintering in the ground, consider adding mulch before snowfall, and dig before tops begin to regrow in the spring. Roots store best with tops removed, at 32° F and 95% humidity, for up to 5 months.
Parsnips are biennial and will produce seed in the second growing season. Insect pollinated, separate parsnip varieties by ½ mile. Minimum 5 plants for viable seeds, 20-50 for variety maintenance, 80+ for genetic preservation.
Our Recommendations with Halblange Organic Parsnip
