Growing Parsnips in Autumn: A Guide to Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Parsnips are a hardy, sweet root vegetable that thrive in cool temperatures, making them an excellent choice for autumn planting. Known for their creamy white color and earthy flavor, parsnips are versatile and can be used in soups, stews, and roasts. Planting parsnips in autumn allows them to grow slowly, developing their flavor as temperatures cool. With proper care, parsnips can be harvested through winter, providing a fresh crop when other vegetables are scarce. Here’s everything you need to know about growing parsnips in autumn, from planting to harvesting and storage.

Why Grow Parsnips in Autumn?

Parsnips are a cool-season crop that become sweeter when exposed to frost, as the cold weather converts their starches to sugars. Planting parsnips in autumn gives them ample time to develop strong roots, which mature through the winter and can be harvested as needed. Parsnips are frost-tolerant and can even be left in the ground through winter in many climates, providing fresh, homegrown produce during the colder months.

Best Varieties of Parsnips for Autumn Planting

When choosing parsnips for autumn planting, select varieties that are known for their cold hardiness and flavor:

1. Gladiator: This popular variety is known for its smooth, straight roots and high resistance to diseases. Gladiator parsnips are sweet and grow well in cold climates.
2. Hollow Crown: An heirloom variety with a creamy texture and excellent flavor. It has a long root and is highly frost-tolerant, making it ideal for overwintering.
3. Lancer: Known for its smooth skin and sweet, nutty flavor, Lancer parsnips produce uniform roots and are resistant to disease.
4. Javelin: A shorter, more compact parsnip variety with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s ideal for smaller gardens and does well in colder temperatures.
5. Albion: A productive variety with smooth, tapered roots and good flavor. Albion parsnips have good disease resistance and are well-suited for autumn planting.

Steps for Planting Parsnips in Autumn

1. Choose a Sunny Location with Well-Drained Soil
   Parsnips need full sun to grow well, so select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is loose and well-drained, as parsnips don’t tolerate waterlogged soil.
2. Prepare the Soil
   Parsnips thrive in fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5). Deeply loosen the soil to at least 12 inches, removing rocks and debris to prevent root deformities. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers as they encourage leafy growth over root development.
3. Sow Seeds Directly
   Parsnips don’t transplant well, so sow seeds directly into the garden about ½ inch deep and 3–4 inches apart in rows spaced 12–18 inches apart. Parsnip seeds are slow to germinate, so be patient; they can take 2–3 weeks to sprout.
4. Water Consistently
   After planting, water the soil thoroughly and keep it consistently moist during germination. Regular watering encourages strong root development, but avoid waterlogging.

Caring for Parsnips Through Autumn and Winter

• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulch also insulates the roots, allowing you to harvest through winter.
• Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings reach a few inches tall, thin them to about 6 inches apart. This gives each parsnip room to develop a large, straight root.
• Fertilize Sparingly: Parsnips are moderate feeders, so applying compost or a balanced fertilizer once during the growing season is usually sufficient.
• Protect from Frost: Parsnips are frost-tolerant and actually improve in flavor with frost. If you live in a region with very cold winters, a thick layer of mulch can protect roots from freezing.

Harvesting Parsnips

Parsnips are typically ready to harvest 100–120 days after planting, but their flavor improves if they’re left in the ground until after the first frost. You can begin harvesting once the roots reach about 1–2 inches in diameter.

1. Harvesting Throughout Winter
   Parsnips can be harvested as needed throughout winter. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil around the roots before gently pulling them from the ground.
2. Full Harvest in Early Spring
   For regions with colder winters, you can leave parsnips in the ground until early spring, harvesting them before new growth begins. The cold weather will have sweetened them, producing tender, flavorful roots.

Storage Tips

Freshly harvested parsnips can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep parsnips in a cool, dark place like a root cellar. Alternatively, parsnips can be blanched and frozen, though freezing may slightly alter their texture.

Top 10 Questions and Answers on Growing Parsnips in Autumn

1. When should I plant parsnips in autumn?
Plant parsnips 12–16 weeks before the first expected frost to allow enough time for them to mature in cool weather.

2. Can parsnips be grown in containers?
Yes, parsnips can be grown in containers, but choose a deep pot (at least 12–18 inches) to accommodate their long roots.

3. How deep should parsnip seeds be planted?
Plant parsnip seeds about ½ inch deep to ensure good soil-to-seed contact and proper germination.

4. What type of soil is best for parsnips?
Parsnips prefer loose, fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid rocky soil to prevent misshapen roots.

5. How often should I water parsnips?
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and root formation. Water deeply, but avoid overwatering.

6. Are parsnips frost-tolerant?
Yes, parsnips are frost-tolerant and their flavor improves after a frost. A thick layer of mulch can protect them in harsher winter conditions.

7. How do I prevent parsnips from becoming woody?
Harvest parsnips after the first frost but before new growth in spring. Leaving them too long may cause the roots to become woody.

8. Can I eat parsnip greens?
Parsnip greens are technically edible but are not commonly eaten due to their slightly bitter taste. Be cautious as the greens can cause skin irritation for some people.

9. How do I know when parsnips are ready to harvest?
Parsnips are ready when the roots are 1–2 inches in diameter. Waiting until after the first frost will improve their sweetness.

10. Can I store parsnips in the ground over winter?
Yes, parsnips can be left in the ground through winter in most climates. Mulch heavily to protect them from freezing, and harvest as needed.

With this guide, you’re well-equipped to grow a productive crop of parsnips in autumn, providing sweet, flavorful roots to enjoy in hearty soups, roasts, and more all winter long. Enjoy the taste of homegrown parsnips through the colder months!