How to Grow Parsnips

Category: 

Vegetable

Planting Time:

Mid Spring to mid Summer

Harvest Time:

Approx 16 - 22 weeks

Difficulty:

Easy

Planting & Care Instructions:

Sow seeds direct to soil beds outdoors from late March onwards
Sow seeds individually to loose soil about 6 to 8 inches apart
Cover light with soil and pat down gently
Water the seed area if the soil is very dry
Parsnips can rot if the soil is too wet so be careful not to over-water
Seeds should germinate in 2 - 4 weeks
Water parsnips weekly for the first 4 - 6 weeks
Only water again during very dry spells
When harvesting, push down on the parsnips before pulling up for use
The flavour of parsnips can be greatly improved if harvested after the first frost when the starch is converted into sugars to provide a sweeter taste