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Growing Parsnips

How to grow parsnips in containers, garden beds

and allotments

Parsnips

Family/Latin Name

Apiaceae - Pastinaca sativa

Type of Plant

Root - Crop Rotation Group = Root

Suitable for

Garden Beds, Allotments very large containers

See also:- Vegetable Growing Glossary | Container Growing | Buying Seeds & Plants

Plant Dimensions	Height 30cm/12" - Spread up to 20cm/8"
Yield Per Plant Yield per 1.5m/5ft row	1 Parsnip 1.8kg/4lb
Time between sowing and harvesting	34 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground
Sowing time	March to April - temperature +10C/50F.
How to Sow	3 seeds 12mm/½-inch deep, 15cm/6" apart - in rows 30cm/12" apart or in groups/blocks. Germination can be very slow.
After Germination	Thin to 1 plant per station. Throw away the thinnings as these do not transplant well.
Growing on - in Pots	Not generally recommended as the roots are very deep and the crop takes a long time to mature. However, if you have some very deep containers (at least 60cm/2tf) you could sow as above.
Growing on - in open ground	Keep weed free and well watered. Avoid touching the crowns of the roots during the growing season.
Aftercare	As above
Harvesting	The roots are ready to be harvested once the foliage begins to die back and many believe they taste better if left in the ground until after the first frosts. Lift as required through the autumn/winter. Use a fork to avoid damaging the long roots. Finishing lifting crops by the end of February. These can be stored in sturdy boxes between layers of sand or dry peat and kept in the garage or shed.

Pests and Diseases

Companion Plants

Parsnip Canker
Indications	Tops of parsnips turn black, crack and rot.
Treatment	None. Dig up and destroy affected plants
Prevention	Organic 1. Do not sow too early 2. Do not add too much fresh manure before sowing 3. Lime the soil Chemical None
Carrot Root Fly
Indications	First sign is that the carrot leaves may look a reddish rust colour. Lifted carrots have small holes and short white maggots
Treatment	None once infected
Prevention	Organic 1. Companion Planting 2. Prevent the fly getting to the carrots by erecting barriers about 45cm/18" high around the rows or beds, using stakes and polythene sheeting or fleece. 3. Sow carrot fly resistant varieties such as "flyaway" or "Sytan". Chemical Apply an insecticide containing Lambda-cyhalothrin
Celery Fly
Indications	Brown blisters in leaves
Treatment	Organic Pinch out and destroy blistered leaves Chemical Spray with an insecticide containing Fenitrothion
Prevention	Grow under garden fleece or fine mesh
Aphids
Indications	Leaves distorted, yellowing and stunted
Treatment	Organic Spray with a weak solution of soapy water Use water through a hosepipe to knock the aphids off the plants Chemical Spray with an insecticide containing Fenitrothion
Prevention	None

Companion Flower Graphic

Pea, Lettuce, Rosemary, Onion Family, Sage, Tomato

If you know aphids are a problem in your area, grow flowers such as nasturtiums, calendula asters, dahlias, and zinnias nearby, but not close, as aphids find them attractive so they act as a lure.

Create a bio-diverse environment by planting flowers nearby to attract bees, ladybirds and other "friendlies". To learn more about companion planting click here.

In the Kitchen

Storage: In a cool, dry, dark place for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Remove any leaves attached before storing for any length of time. Can also be stored in sturdy boxes between layers of sand or dry peat and kept in the garage or shed.

Preparing: Wash in cold water. Cut off the stem end and straggling roots if present. Peel older parsnips or simply scrub or scrape young specimens. Best eaten cooked.

Cooking:

Bake/Roast	Whole, Halves or chunks = 40 - 80 minutes. Drizzle with oil
Boil	Slices or Batons = 10-15 minutes
Fry/Sauté	Slices or Matchsticks = Stir-fry 6-10 minutes
Microwave	Slices or Batons = 5-8 minutes
Steam	Slices or Batons = 15 - 20 minutes

For more preparation and cooking information about parsnips plus lots of recipes visit our sister site www.recipes4us.co.uk

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