How Do You Grow Parsnips (Pastinaca Sativa)?
Parsnips have the longest growing season of the commonly grown vegetables and are well worth the extra time and effort. They are harvested when there is virtually nothing else fresh from the garden. This article will go through how to sow, how to care for, how to harvest, how to save the seeds and how to eat parsnips. How to Sow: Soak parsnip seeds in water the night before planting. This will help soften the seed coat so your parsnips will germinate quicker. Sow seeds directly as soon as the soil become workable in early spring (a month or two before the frost free date for your location). Parsnips have a poor germination rate so aim for about 3 seeds per inch. Sow seeds half an inch deep with 18-24 inches between rows. Expect 8-15 days for the germination of the seeds, it may take as long as 20 days depending on soil temperature. Parsnip germinates best when the soil is 68 degrees F. Choose a location with full to partial sun. The soil should be lose, free of rocks and well drained.
