Parsnip - Harris Model

SKU: PA31100A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 430 seeds per gram.
Pastinaca sativa
Lot# PA31100
Harris Model parsnips are the standard when people think of parsnips.  An age old variety with smooth skinned, white, tapered roots to 30 cm (12") long and 9 cm (3½") wide at the shoulder. Fine grained flesh with a sweet, nutty flavor. Parsnips become sweeter after frost, as the sugar moves from the tops into the roots.
Planting Instructions:
  • Direct sow parsnip seeds from late March to early July. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C (50-75°F). Seeds take approximately 14-21 days to germinate.  Sow parsnip seeds 6 mm-12 mm (¼-½") deep and cover over planting area to shade the soil and conserve moisture. Thin plants to 8-10 cm (3-4") apart in rows 45-60 cm (18-24") apart.  
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil 
  •  Planting Depth:   Sow parsnip seeds 6 mm-12 mm (¼-½") deep.
  • Germination:  14-21 days.
  • Height at Maturity: 20-30 cm (8-12") tall.  Spread:  8-20 cm  (4-8")  across.
  • Days to Maturity:   100 days.  
  • Watering: 2.5 cm (1") of water a week ensures good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week affects how much you should water your garden.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:   No thinning required.
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated seeds.  Parsnips are best eaten after the first hard frost. The frost actually converts the starch in the root into sugar, making them sweet. It’s best to harvest in mid winter, or in early spring after the soil thaws. If planning to harvest in the spring, mulch heavily so the roots won’t rot in the soil. Some varieties are better ground keepers than others. Harris Model is an exceptional ground keeper, reportedly not even necessarily needing mulching.