Pastinaca sativa is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley) family.

Varieties include Avonresister, Gladiator, Tender and True, Hollow Crown, All American, and Harris Model.

Parsnip is related to the carrot, which it resembles, at least in the root and habit of growth. Unlike the orange-colored roots of carrot, parsnip roots are creamy white on the exterior and white on the inside. The parsnip top closely resembles the top of broadleaf parsley. The plant grows to 3 feet in height and the roots to 20 inches in length.

Current production and yield. In California, in 1987, the County Agricultural Commissioners reported parsnips grown in Imperial, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties. In 1988 the total value of production reported was $205,000 in California.

Between 1980 and 1984 in California more complete data was reported for parsnips. Reported harvested acreage went from a high of 200 acres in 1980 to a low of 33 in 1984. Production and value ranged from a high of 850 tons with a value of $204,000 to a low of 111 tons with a value of $22,000 during that same period. The average yield during that time ranged from 3.36 to 4.25 tons/acre. The average price ranged from $198 to $260/ton.

An approximate yield of 4 tons/acre is about 50 pounds/ 100 feet of row.

Climatic requirements. Parsnips do best when they mature during cool weather. Parsnips require a long time to mature, up to 180 days. Cold weather (including a preharvest freeze) enhances the flavor. The seeds are difficult to germinate during hot weather and roots maturing during hot weather are of poor quality.

Propagation and care. Start parsnips from the seed in a manner similar to that for carrots. Normally, 120 to 180 days are required from seeding to root harvest. Seed should be planted one-half inch apart and one-half inch deep in rows 12 inches apart, or planted two rows on a 36 inch or 40 inch bed. Requires about 3 to 5 pounds of seed per acre. Parsnips take a long time to germinate, up to 18 days. Thin plants to 3-4 inches in rows. Never allow the soil to get too dry or the roots will become tough, split and lack flavor. Fertilize parsnips as you would for carrots. Harvest the roots as needed leaving the remainder for later harvests.

Post Harvest Handling: USDA storage recommendations are 32°F (0°C) at 95 to 100 percent relative humidity, with an approximate storage life of 4 to 6 months.

Johnny's Selected Seeds, Foss Hill Road, Albion, Maine 04910
Nichols Garden Nursery, 1190 North Pacific Hwy., Albany, OR 93721

Thompson and Morgan, P.O. Box 1308, Jackson, NJ 08527

W. Atlee Burpee & Company, 300 Park Avenue, Warmister, PA 18974

Le Jardin du Gourmet, P. O. Box 75, St. Johnsbury Center, VT 05863

Asgrow Seed Co., P.O. Box 5038, Salinas, CA 93915

Ferry-Morse Seed Co., P.O. Box 4938, Modesto, CA 95352

Northrup King Co., P.O. Box 1825, Gilroy, CA 95021

Compiled by Keith Mayberry, Farm Advisor, Imperial County and Claudia Myers, UC Small Farm Center.

Reviewed by Richard Smith, 11/27/89.

Reviewed by Keith Mayberry, 9/89.

Reviewed by John Guerard, 12/22/89.

Captions:

Figure 1. Parsnips are grown for the carrot like root which grows up to 20 inches in length.

4/30/90.