Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) – offered by Seed Company WH Perron
Parsnips are a classic root vegetable, known for their sweet, white roots with a shallow neck, making them easy to clean. With their mild, slightly nutty flavour, they are perfect for winter dishes, purees and soups. Parsnips thrive in poor, sandy soils, without too much fertiliser, and add a touch of hardiness to your vegetable garden.
Spread : 15 to 20 cm
Plant height : 30 to 50 cm
Quantity per packet : 150 seeds
Companion plants : Leek, carrot, radish, garlic, tomato, lettuce
Enemy plants : Celery, caraway
Cultivation method:
Sow parsnip seeds directly in the garden when the soil temperature reaches 16°C, usually between April and June. Plant the seeds 1 to 1.5 cm deep in well-drained, low-organic, slightly sandy soil. Space the rows 30 to 50 cm apart.
Germination is slow, taking 14-21 days. Keep the soil moist during this time to ensure uniform emergence. Once the plants are well established, thin them to 3-4 inches to allow the roots to develop fully.
Harvest parsnips after the first frost, when the cold mellows their flavor and gives them a more tender texture. This root vegetable is a great addition to vegetable gardens, providing a tasty and nutritious harvest for the winter.
