Latin |
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Pastinaca sativa
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When To Start |
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Plant from late March to mid-July in a deeply-dug bed.
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Preparing the Soil |
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Prepare as for carrots (see Growing Carrots). For even longer parsnips, you can dig or form holes 60cm (2') deep. Garden: sow 1cm (1/2") deep, 1--2cm (1/2-1") apart. Farm: 100' row: 14-28g. Acre: 1.5-2kg (3-6lb). Rows: 45-60cm (18-24") apart.
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Insects |
Carrot rust fly maggots may injure the roots of parsnips. The most reliable
control is floating row cover.
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Growing Tips |
Seeds can take 3 weeks to germinate and will not push through dry crusted soil. Cover seeds with compost or put floating row cover over planting to shade the soil and
conserve moisture. Thin to 8cm (3") apart once the plants are established. Weed carefully and keep watered. In optimal conditions at least 60% of seeds will germinate. Soil temperature for
germination: 10-25ºC (50-75ºF). Usual seed life: 1 year.
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Harvest |
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Flavour is best after a couple of good frosts. Dig parsnips from October 1st through the winter as needed. Protect from freezing in the soil with a thick straw mulch if it is a cold winter. Parsnips keep better in well-drained soil. The average family will be well supplied with a 6m (20') row.
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