Heirloom Parsnip Planting Guide: From Seed to Harvest

Parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) are a beloved root vegetable known for their sweet, earthy flavor and creamy texture, especially when harvested after a light frost. While modern parsnip varieties are common in grocery stores, heirloom parsnips offer a unique and often more flavorful alternative. Growing heirloom parsnips in your garden can be a rewarding experience, providing a delicious harvest and preserving genetic diversity in our food supply. In this comprehensive Heirloom Parsnip Planting Guide, we’ll cover everything from soil preparation to harvesting, ensuring you know how to grow heirloom parsnip in your own garden.

Quick Start Heirloom Parsnip Planting Guide – Complete Planting Guide Below

Heirloom / Open Pollinated Parsnip are biennial and its seeds are very hard to germinate. Heirloom / Open Pollinated Parsnip are direct seeded, covering the seeds with .5″ of soil. Plant Parsnip Seeds in full sun or partial shade in hot climates. Germination usually occurs in 5 to 25 days. After Heirloom / Open Pollinated Parsnip plants come up, they should be thinned to 2″-3″ for healthy growth.

What Makes Heirloom Parsnips Special?

Heirloom parsnips are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down for generations, often dating back to before commercial farming became widespread. These varieties have adapted to local conditions over time, developing resilience and unique flavors. Heirloom parsnips are known for their distinctive taste, which is often richer than that of hybrid varieties. Additionally, they support biodiversity, as these varieties preserve traditional genes that may be lost in hybridized or genetically modified plants.

Selecting the Right Heirloom Parsnip Variety

Before starting your heirloom parsnip planting journey, choose a variety that will thrive in your climate and suits your taste preferences. Some popular heirloom varieties include:

1. Hollow Crown: Known for its sweet flavor and large roots, this variety is one of the oldest and most reliable heirloom types.
2. Harris Model: Characterized by its smooth skin and fine-grained flesh, Harris Model is perfect for gardeners looking for a refined texture.
3. Student Parsnip: This variety produces long, slender roots and has a strong, earthy flavor.

Consider your local climate and the soil conditions in your garden when selecting a variety. Hollow Crown, for example, is particularly hardy and adapts well to colder temperatures, making it a popular choice in northern climates.

Preparing the Soil for Heirloom Parsnips

To grow healthy and flavorful heirloom parsnips, soil preparation is key. Parsnips thrive in well-drained, deep, and loose soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Follow these steps to prepare your soil before planting:

1. Remove Rocks and Debris: Parsnip roots can grow up to 12-18 inches deep, so any rocks or compacted soil can obstruct growth.
2. Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork to loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. This will help roots penetrate the soil easily.
3. Amend with Compost: Mix in organic compost to improve soil structure and add nutrients. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as too much nitrogen can cause excessive leafy growth at the expense of root development.
4. Check pH Levels: Use a soil test kit to ensure the pH is within the optimal range. If your soil is too acidic, adding a bit of lime can help balance the pH.

Planting Heirloom Parsnip Seeds

Once your soil is ready, it’s time to sow your heirloom parsnip seeds. Unlike other root vegetables, parsnips have a long growing season, typically taking 120-180 days to mature. Here’s a step-by-step guide for planting heirloom parsnip seeds:

1. Timing: Plant heirloom parsnip seeds as early as possible in spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Parsnip seeds prefer cooler soil temperatures, ideally around 50°F (10°C) to 65°F (18°C).
2. Sowing Seeds: Sow seeds directly in the ground, as transplanting can disturb the delicate roots. Space seeds ½ inch deep and 3-4 inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart.
3. Thinning: Once seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, thin them to about 6 inches apart to give each plant enough room to develop strong roots.

Tip: Parsnip seeds have a short shelf life and may lose their viability quickly. Always use fresh seeds each growing season for the best results.

Caring for Heirloom Parsnips

Caring for heirloom parsnips involves regular watering, careful weeding, and pest management to ensure your plants remain healthy and productive. Below are some essential care practices:

1. Watering: Parsnips need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply once a week, making sure the water reaches the root zone. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
2. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
3. Weeding: Parsnip roots grow best without competition, so keep the area around them free of weeds. Be careful when weeding near the plants to avoid disturbing the roots.

Managing Common Issues with Heirloom Parsnips

Heirloom parsnips are generally hardy, but they can be susceptible to certain problems:

• Forked Roots: This is often due to rocky soil or inconsistent watering. Ensure the soil is loose and free of obstructions.
• Parsnip Canker: This fungal disease causes black lesions on the roots. It’s more likely in acidic soil, so maintaining a balanced pH is crucial.
• Pests: Carrot flies are a common pest for parsnips. Use netting or row covers to protect your crop, especially during the early growing stages.

Harvesting Heirloom Parsnips

Heirloom parsnips reach full maturity in about 4-5 months, depending on the variety and growing conditions. However, many gardeners prefer to leave them in the ground for a few light frosts, as this enhances the natural sweetness of the roots.

1. Harvest Timing: You can start harvesting parsnips in late fall, typically after the first frost, as cold temperatures convert the starches in the root into sugars.
2. Harvesting Method: Loosen the soil around the root carefully with a garden fork, and gently pull the parsnips from the ground.
3. Storage: Store parsnips in a cool, dark, and humid environment. They can last for several months when stored properly.

Tips for Cooking Heirloom Parsnips

Now that you’ve successfully grown heirloom parsnips, here are a few ways to enjoy them in your kitchen:

1. Roasted Parsnips: Roasting parsnips enhances their sweetness and brings out a nutty flavor. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F until golden brown.
2. Parsnip Mash: Substitute or combine parsnips with potatoes for a unique, creamy side dish.
3. Parsnip Soup: Use heirloom parsnips to add a rich, sweet undertone to soups and stews.

Managing Pests and Diseases in Heirloom Parsnips

Keeping heirloom parsnips healthy involves proactively managing common pests and diseases. By understanding the specific challenges that parsnips may face and implementing preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of infestations and infections, leading to a stronger, more productive crop. Here’s a guide to help you manage common pests and diseases in heirloom parsnips.

1. Common Pests Affecting Heirloom Parsnips

Several pests are known to target parsnips, particularly during the early growth stages. Here are some of the most common pests and tips for managing them effectively:

a. Carrot Rust Fly (Psila rosae)

Carrot rust flies are one of the most common pests for parsnips, as well as other root vegetables like carrots. The larvae of this fly burrow into the roots, causing brown, rusty trails that can lead to rot and make the roots unappetizing.

• Symptoms: Rusty-colored tunnels in the root, stunted growth, and wilted leaves.
• Prevention:
  • Crop Rotation: Avoid planting parsnips in the same spot each year, as the larvae can remain in the soil.
  • Row Covers: Place lightweight row covers over your parsnips immediately after planting to prevent adult flies from laying eggs near the roots.
  • Timing: Delay planting until late spring if possible, as this can help avoid the peak period for adult fly activity.
• Control: In case of infestation, remove and destroy affected plants to prevent the spread. Companion planting with onions or garlic nearby can also help deter carrot rust flies.

b. Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from leaves and stems, which can weaken plants and reduce yields. Aphids can also spread diseases between plants.

• Symptoms: Curled or yellowing leaves, sticky “honeydew” residue on foliage, and stunted growth.
• Prevention:
  • Natural Predators: Encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and other natural predators by planting flowers like marigolds and dill nearby.
  • Healthy Soil: Keep your plants healthy with well-amended soil, as strong plants are more resistant to aphid damage.
• Control: Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock off aphids, or use insecticidal soap if the infestation is severe.

c. Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are more common in moist conditions and can damage parsnip leaves, impacting the plant’s overall health.

• Symptoms: Ragged holes in the foliage, slime trails on the leaves and ground.
• Prevention:
  • Watering: Water in the morning to reduce moisture overnight, which can attract slugs and snails.
  • Barrier Methods: Use crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, or copper tape around plants to deter slugs and snails.
• Control: Hand-pick slugs and snails in the evening or early morning, or place beer traps around your garden to attract and trap them.

2. Common Diseases Affecting Heirloom Parsnips

Heirloom parsnips can be susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases, especially in wet or humid conditions. Here are the most common diseases to watch for:

a. Parsnip Canker

Parsnip canker is a fungal disease that causes black lesions on the root, making it inedible. It usually affects plants that are grown in overly acidic or poorly-drained soil.

• Symptoms: Black or brown sunken lesions on the root, often near the top.
• Prevention:
  • Soil pH: Maintain a neutral soil pH (around 6.5-7.0) by testing the soil and adding lime if it’s too acidic.
  • Avoiding Injuries: Be gentle when weeding around parsnip plants, as injuries to the root can increase susceptibility to canker.
• Control: Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of spores. Rotate crops and avoid planting parsnips in the same soil for at least three years.

b. Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many garden plants, especially in warm, dry conditions. It appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, which can weaken the plant and reduce its ability to photosynthesize.

• Symptoms: White or gray powdery patches on leaves and stems.
• Prevention:
  • Air Circulation: Space plants adequately and prune surrounding vegetation to increase airflow.
  • Watering Practices: Avoid wetting the leaves when watering and instead water at the base of the plants.
• Control: Remove affected leaves to reduce the spread. Organic fungicides, such as neem oil or a baking soda solution, can also help control mild infections.

c. Root Rot

Root rot is caused by soilborne fungi and is particularly common in wet, poorly-drained soils. It can be devastating, as it affects the main edible part of the plant.

• Symptoms: Soft, decayed roots, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
• Prevention:
  • Drainage: Ensure soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.
  • Crop Rotation: Rotate crops regularly, especially if you’ve had issues with root rot in previous years.
• Control: Unfortunately, once root rot sets in, it’s challenging to save affected plants. Remove and dispose of infected plants and improve soil drainage for future plantings.

3. General Tips for Managing Pests and Diseases

In addition to specific methods for each pest and disease, here are some general strategies to keep your heirloom parsnip plants healthy and resilient:

• Companion Planting: Plant parsnips with companion plants that repel pests naturally, such as onions, garlic, and marigolds.
• Crop Rotation: Avoid planting parsnips in the same spot year after year. Rotating crops reduces the buildup of pest populations and disease spores in the soil.
• Soil Health: Healthy soil is the foundation of disease-resistant plants. Regularly amend your soil with compost and organic matter to promote strong root development.
• Sanitation: Clean up plant debris at the end of each growing season to reduce overwintering pests and disease spores.

Conclusion

Managing pests and diseases is essential to growing healthy, productive heirloom parsnips. By staying vigilant, using preventative measures, and treating issues as they arise, you can protect your plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest. With proper care, you’ll reduce the risk of infestations and diseases and help your heirloom parsnips reach their full potential, ensuring a delicious, high-quality crop.

Storing and Preserving Heirloom Parsnips

Once you’ve harvested your heirloom parsnips, proper storage and preservation methods can extend their shelf life, allowing you to enjoy their unique flavor long after the growing season has ended. With their natural resilience to cold, parsnips are particularly well-suited for long-term storage, especially if harvested after a frost.

1. Preparing Parsnips for Storage

After harvesting, it’s essential to prepare your parsnips for storage. Start by gently brushing off any excess dirt. Avoid washing the roots, as moisture can accelerate decay.

• Trimming the Tops: Cut off the green tops, leaving about half an inch of stem. This helps prevent moisture loss and extends the storage life of the roots.
• Sorting the Roots: Inspect each parsnip for any signs of damage, cuts, or bruising. Set aside any damaged roots for immediate use, as they won’t store as well and can lead to decay in nearby parsnips if stored together.

2. Storage Options for Heirloom Parsnips

Parsnips can be stored in a variety of ways, depending on the resources available and how long you’d like to preserve them.

a. Root Cellar or Cold Storage

For long-term storage, a root cellar or a cold storage area (such as a basement or unheated garage) is ideal. Heirloom parsnips keep well in cool, dark, and humid conditions.

• Temperature and Humidity: Store parsnips at a temperature between 32°F and 40°F (0°C to 4°C) with high humidity (90-95%). Cold temperatures slow down the respiration rate of the roots, helping them retain their flavor and texture.
• Storage Method: Place the parsnips in a container with damp sand, sawdust, or peat moss. Bury them individually, leaving a small space between each root. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the roots from drying out.
• Storage Duration: Properly stored, heirloom parsnips can last 4-6 months in cold storage, allowing you to enjoy them well into winter.

b. Refrigerator Storage

If a root cellar isn’t available, the refrigerator is a suitable option for short-term storage.

• Wrapping and Storing: Place unwashed parsnips in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer, which helps retain moisture while allowing some air circulation. Avoid tightly sealing them, as this can lead to mold growth.
• Storage Duration: Parsnips can last up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator. Check them regularly and remove any roots that show signs of spoilage.

3. Freezing Parsnips

Freezing is a great preservation option if you have a large harvest and want to store parsnips for a longer period without a root cellar. Follow these steps to freeze heirloom parsnips effectively:

• Blanching: Start by washing, peeling, and cutting the parsnips into uniform pieces (such as slices or cubes). Blanch them by placing in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
• Drying and Packaging: Drain and pat the parsnips dry, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to airtight freezer bags or containers.
• Storage Duration: Frozen parsnips retain their quality for up to 10-12 months. Label the bags with the date to track storage time.

4. Preserving Parsnips Through Canning

Parsnips can also be pressure-canned, preserving them for use in stews, soups, and purees. Due to their low acidity, parsnips require pressure canning rather than water bath canning.

• Preparing for Canning: Wash, peel, and cut parsnips into pieces. Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften.
• Packing and Processing: Pack the parsnips into sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Pour hot water over the parsnips, then process in a pressure canner following the manufacturer’s instructions and USDA guidelines for your altitude.
• Storage Duration: Properly canned parsnips can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

5. Drying or Dehydrating Parsnips

Another preservation method is drying or dehydrating parsnips, which can then be used in soups, stews, or as a snack.

• Preparing for Dehydration: Wash, peel, and slice the parsnips thinly to ensure even drying.
• Dehydrating: Arrange the slices on dehydrator trays in a single layer and dry at 125°F (52°C) for 6-10 hours, or until completely dry and brittle.
• Storage: Store dehydrated parsnips in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. When stored properly, dried parsnips can last for several months.

6. Pickling Parsnips

For a tangy and flavorful way to enjoy parsnips, consider pickling them. Pickling not only adds a unique taste but also extends their shelf life.

• Preparing Parsnips for Pickling: Peel and slice parsnips, then blanch them briefly in boiling water.
• Pickling Solution: Make a pickling brine with equal parts vinegar and water, along with your choice of spices (such as garlic, dill, and mustard seeds).
• Packing and Storing: Pack the parsnip slices into sterilized jars, pour the hot pickling solution over them, and refrigerate. Pickled parsnips can last up to a month in the fridge, or longer if properly canned.

7. Flavor and Texture Preservation Tips

While stored or preserved parsnips remain usable for months, it’s best to use them sooner for the freshest flavor. Keep these tips in mind to maximize quality:

• Monitor Humidity Levels: When storing fresh parsnips, maintain high humidity to keep them crisp and avoid drying out.
• Avoid Light Exposure: Store parsnips in dark conditions to prevent sprouting and bitterness.
• Label and Rotate Stock: For all preservation methods, label containers with the date and rotate your stock, using older preserves before new ones.

Conclusion

With proper storage and preservation methods, heirloom parsnips can be enjoyed long after their growing season. Whether you choose to store them in a root cellar, freeze, dehydrate, or pickle, each method offers unique benefits and ways to enhance your culinary options. This ensures that your hard work in the garden translates into months of delicious meals featuring the unique, sweet flavor of heirloom parsnips.

Saving Seeds from Heirloom Parsnips

One of the wonderful advantages of growing heirloom plants is the opportunity to save seeds, preserving traditional varieties for future generations. Seed-saving is also practical and sustainable, allowing you to replant your favorite varieties year after year. Parsnips are biennial plants, which means they take two years to complete their life cycle and produce seeds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to saving heirloom parsnip seeds:

1. Choosing the Right Plants

For seed saving, choose the healthiest and most vigorous parsnip plants in your garden. Look for plants with strong, straight roots, as these are less likely to have genetic traits that cause deformities like forking. This practice of selecting the best plants helps ensure that the seeds you save will grow into strong, healthy parsnip plants with desirable traits.

2. Overwintering Parsnips

Since parsnips are biennials, they need to be overwintered to flower and produce seeds in their second year. Here’s how to do it:

• Leave Some Plants in the Ground: Allow a few of your selected parsnips to remain in the ground at the end of their first growing season. These plants will go dormant over the winter, storing energy in their roots for next spring.
• Protect from Harsh Winter Conditions: In very cold climates, apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or leaves, over the plants to protect them from freezing temperatures. Alternatively, you can dig up the roots and store them in a cool, dark place over winter, then replant them in early spring.

3. Allowing Parsnips to Bolt

In the spring of their second year, parsnips will emerge from dormancy and begin to grow flower stalks. This process is known as “bolting.” The plant will produce tall stalks topped with clusters of small, yellowish-white flowers, called umbels. These flowers attract pollinators, which help with seed production.

• Note: Parsnips are insect-pollinated, so if you have multiple varieties, they may cross-pollinate. For pure seed lines, only grow one variety at a time or ensure there’s ample distance between different parsnip varieties.

4. Harvesting the Seeds

After the flowers bloom, they will gradually produce seeds over the course of the summer. Wait until the seeds turn from green to a light brown color; this indicates they are fully mature and ready to harvest.

• Cutting the Seed Heads: Once the seeds are mature, cut the flower stalks with seed heads attached. Place them in a paper bag or a well-ventilated, dry area to finish drying.
• Collecting the Seeds: Once fully dried, gently shake or rub the flower heads to release the seeds. Parsnip seeds are small, flat, and disk-like with a light brown color.

5. Storing Heirloom Parsnip Seeds

Proper storage is essential to maintain seed viability. Parsnip seeds are notorious for having a short lifespan, so it’s best to use them within a year for the highest germination rates.

• Storage Conditions: Place the dried seeds in a paper envelope or a small glass jar with a lid. Store them in a cool, dark, and dry location, such as a pantry or a seed storage container.
• Label Your Seeds: Be sure to label the envelope or jar with the variety name and the date harvested. This information is helpful when planning next year’s garden.

6. Using Saved Seeds

When planting season arrives, you can use your saved heirloom parsnip seeds to start a new crop. Keep in mind that because parsnip seeds lose viability quickly, it’s best to use fresh seeds each season. If you have leftover seeds, you may notice lower germination rates the following year, so plant more seeds than usual to account for this.

Benefits of Saving Heirloom Parsnip Seeds

Saving your own parsnip seeds provides several benefits:

• Cost Savings: Seed saving reduces the need to purchase new seeds each season.
• Preserving Genetic Diversity: By saving seeds from heirloom varieties, you’re helping to preserve traditional genetics that may be lost with modern hybridization.
• Adapting to Local Conditions: Over time, the seeds you save can become better adapted to your specific growing conditions, leading to hardier plants.

Conclusion

Growing heirloom parsnips is a rewarding endeavor that brings both rich flavor and biodiversity to your garden. By following this Heirloom Parsnip Planting Guide and incorporating careful soil preparation, attentive care, and timely harvesting, you’ll know how to grow heirloom parsnip effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, planting heirloom parsnip varieties can enrich your garden and culinary experiences alike. Enjoy the journey of cultivating this timeless root vegetable and savor the unique taste of heirloom goodness.

FAQ: Heirloom Parsnip Planting Guide