White Spear

SKU: PN583
From the breeders of Lancer, this improved parsnip has better uniformity in shape with a deep crown set and broad, round shoulders. The roots are very white with smooth skins and a fine, mellow flavour that is gorgeous as a roasted vegetable or simply chopped into soups and stews. Read More

Matures in 120 days

Seed type OP ?

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West Coast Seeds ships anywhere in North America. However, we are not able to ship garlic, potatoes, asparagus crowns, bulbs, onion sets, Mason bee cocoons, or nematodes outside of Canada. We regret, we cannot accept returns or damages for orders outside of Canada. The minimum shipping charge to the US is $9.99.

White Spear Parsnip Seeds

Product Details

From the breeders of Lancer, this improved parsnip has better uniformity in shape with a deep crown set and broad, round shoulders. The roots are very white with smooth skins and a fine, mellow flavour that is gorgeous as a roasted vegetable or simply chopped into soups and stews. It has very good storage ability both in the ground and in cold storage. The ideal size for harvest is 28cm (11"), but the roots will keep growing if left in the ground. White Spear parsnip is the best choice for early spring planting and harvesting in early summer.

Take caution during sunny weather: touching the plant may cause skin burns.

Matures in 120 days. (Open-pollinated seeds)

Quick Facts:

    • Very white roots
    • Smooth skins
    • Matures in 120 days
    • Open pollinated seeds

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White Spear

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All About White Spear

Latin

Latin
Pastinaca sativa
Family: Apiaceae

Difficulty
Easy

We Recommend

We Recommend: Gladiator (PN581). This hybrid parsnip was bred to be fast-growing, uniform, and large – and we’ve seen some HUGE ones. At any size it has very appealing, mild flavour and it’s firm without being woody.

Timing
Direct sow from the last frost date to mid-summer Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C (50-75°F). Seeds take 14-21 days to germinate.

Starting

Starting
Sow seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep. Cover seeds with compost and/or put row cover over planting area to shade the soil and conserve moisture. Thin to 7-10 cm (3-4″) apart in rows 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.

Days to Maturity

Days to Maturity: From direct sowing.

Growing

Growing
Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. Prepare ground as for carrots, digging deeply to loosen soil prior to planting For even longer parsnips, you can dig or form holes 60cm (24″) deep. Weed carefully and keep watered. Contact with parsnip leaves causes a rash in some people, so harvest and weed with long sleeves and gloves.

Harvest

Harvest
The flavour of parsnips is best after a couple of good frosts. Dig parsnips from late summer into 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.

Seed Info

Seed Info
In optimal conditions at least 60% of seeds will germinate. Usual seed life: 1 year. Per 100′ row: 440 seeds, per acre: 128M seeds.

Diseases & Pests

Diseases & Pests
Carrot rust fly maggots may injure the roots of parsnips. The most reliable control is floating row cover. Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne disease.

How to Grow Parsnip

Step 1

Timing

Direct sow from the last frost date to mid-summer. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C (50-75°F). Seeds take 14-21 days to germinate.

Step 2

Starting

Sow seeds 5mm-1cm (¼-½”) deep. Cover seeds with compost and/or put row cover over planting area to shade the soil and conserve moisture. Thin to 7-10 cm (3-4″) apart in rows 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.

Step 3

Growing

Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8.

Prepare ground as for carrots, digging deeply to loosen soil prior to planting For even longer parsnips, you can dig or form holes 60cm (24″) deep. Weed carefully and keep watered. Contact with parsnip leaves causes a rash in some people, so harvest and weed with long sleeves and gloves.

Step 4

Germination

Days to maturity: From direct sowing.

In optimal conditions at least 60% of seeds will germinate. Usual seed life: 1 year. Per 100′ row: 440 seeds, per acre: 128M seeds.

Step 5

Harvest

The flavour of parsnips is best after a couple of good frosts. Dig parsnips from late summer into 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.

Tips

Disease & Pests

Carrot rust fly maggots may injure the roots of parsnips. The most reliable control is floating row cover. Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne disease.

Customer Reviews & Questions