Parsnip Half Long White

Parsnip Half Long White — variety description

Parsnip Half Long White (Pastinaca sativa) is a biennial crop grown for harvest in the first year, of the celery family (Apiaceae). This is a productive, hardy parsnip variety with short roots and wonderful flavour. The parsnip is a relative of carrot, parsley, aniseed, angelica and celery.

It is often called the “white carrot”. It is about 20 cm long. The parsnip has a wonderful aniseed-like, sweet flavour. The colour of the parsnip is creamy white.

The parsnip is very healthy. It may help against heart disease, osteoporosis, rheumatism, dementia and cellulite.

It contains the following vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B11, C, E and K. And the minerals: calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and also plenty of fibre and protein and few calories.

The parsnip is a sweet root vegetable with a nutty aroma – for soups, roasting and purées. Frosts make it even sweeter.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 92%
• Seeds per packet: 510–690 pcs (2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: February – April; direct
• Harvest: July – September
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Parsnip Half Long White

Parsnip Half Long White seeds are sown in February – April. Harvest in July – September. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Parsnip Half Long White

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1–2 cm
• Spacing: 10–15 cm in the row, 35–40 cm between rows
• Germination: 14–28 days at 10–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

From February to April you can sow outdoors in the garden, but do not sow if heavy rain and hard frost are expected. Sow at a depth of 1 to 1.5 cm in well-loosened soil from which all stones have been removed. The parsnip needs a sunny spot with partial shade. Sow in rows 35 cm apart. apart. Germination time is 14 - 28 days. If no seedlings have appeared after 28 days, it is best to re-sow immediately. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to 15 cm per plant. Because the seedlings have a very delicate root system, it is better not to transplant the thinned ones elsewhere. Keep the plants well moist and free of weeds. It is better not to grow parsnips in heavy clay soil. If you have clay soil and still want to grow parsnips, an option is individual containers filled with potting compost. The parsnip is ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow and begin to die back. Parsnips can be stored for one to two weeks in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator. If stored in a cool, dark place such as a cellar, they will last about a month. Parsnips can also be left in the field until deep winter, but make sure the roots are not flooded by excessive rainfall.

Sow fresh seeds in early spring in deep soil; keep moist until emergence.

Harvest and use

Harvest from October through winter – it can stay in the ground.

Frequently asked questions

When should Parsnip Half Long White be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February – April. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 510–690 seeds, pack size 2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 92%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.