Propagate by seed

Germination temperature: 50 F to 85 F

Days to emergence: 10 to 21 - Germination may take as long as 3 to 4 weeks with soil temperature at 50 F.

Seed can be saved 1 year. - Seed does not store well.

Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 1 inch apart, in rows 18 to 24 inches apart, in early spring.   Seeds germinate slowly, usually in about 2 to 3 weeks (longer in cold soils). To speed germination, keep soil moist. Sow along with radishes to break soil crust and mark row.

Thin to 3- to 4-inch spacings. Trim instead of pulling to avoid disturbing roots of remaining plants.

Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Hill soil around base of plants to prevent greening of root shoulders.

Avoid planting on ground that was in sod the previous season. Use fabric covers to exclude insects.

Carrot weevil - Clean up garden debris in autumn. Beneficial nematodes are available. Apply as directed on label.

Leafhopper - Leafhoppers spread disease. No cultural control is available.

Browse parsnip varieties at our Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners website.

Choose shorter-rooted varieties if your soil is not deep, light and stone-free.

Varieties recommended for New York include:

All American
Harris' Model
Hollow Crown