What To Know
- Exhibition parsnips are a sight to behold, boasting impressive length, uniformity, and a smooth, blemish-free exterior.
- They are the result of meticulous care and attention to detail, and while growing them may require a bit more effort than your average parsnip, the reward of showcasing these culinary masterpieces is well worth it.
- Brush off any excess soil and store the parsnips in a cool, dark, and dry place.
If you’re looking to cultivate parsnips that are not just delicious but also prize-worthy, this guide on how to grow exhibition parsnips is for you. Exhibition parsnips are a sight to behold, boasting impressive length, uniformity, and a smooth, blemish-free exterior. They are the result of meticulous care and attention to detail, and while growing them may require a bit more effort than your average parsnip, the reward of showcasing these culinary masterpieces is well worth it.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step in your journey to growing exhibition parsnips is selecting the right variety. Opt for a variety known for its exceptional size and shape, such as:
- “Hollow Crown”: This classic variety is renowned for its long, slender roots and exceptional flavor.
- “Guernsey”: This heritage variety produces large, cylindrical parsnips with a sweet flavor.
- “Harrisons”: Known for its long, straight roots and high yields, this variety is a popular choice for exhibition growers.
Sowing the Seeds
Parsnip seeds are notoriously slow to germinate, so starting them indoors is recommended. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the Seed Trays: Fill seed trays with a seed-starting mix and gently moisten it.
2. Sow the Seeds: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
3. Cover and Water: Lightly cover the seeds with more seed-starting mix and mist the surface gently.
4. Provide Light and Warmth: Place the trays in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights.
5. Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Hardening Off and Transplanting
Once the seedlings have developed true leaves (usually after 2-3 weeks), it’s time to harden them off. This process gradually acclimates the seedlings to outdoor conditions. Here’s how:
1. Start Slowly: Begin by placing the trays outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time spent outside.
2. Choose a Sunny Spot: Select a sheltered spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight.
3. Prepare the Soil: Dig a deep trench, about 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
4. Space the Seedlings: Space the seedlings 6-8 inches apart in the trench.
5. Water Thoroughly: Water the seedlings deeply after transplanting.
Cultivating for Success
Once your parsnips are in the ground, you’ll need to provide them with the right conditions to thrive:
- Consistent Moisture: Parsnips need consistent moisture, especially during the early stages of growth. Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist.
- Weed Control: Keep the area around your parsnips weed-free. Weeding helps prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (straw, wood chips, or shredded bark) around the plants. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilizing: Parsnips are heavy feeders, so fertilizing them regularly is crucial. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Protecting Your Parsnips
Exhibition parsnips require extra protection from pests and diseases:
- Parsnip Canker: This fungal disease can cause the roots to become distorted and unmarketable. To prevent canker, rotate crops and avoid planting parsnips in the same spot year after year.
- Carrot Root Fly: This pest can damage parsnip roots. Protect your plants by covering them with row covers or using a commercially available insecticide.
- Parsnip Webworm: These caterpillars can defoliate parsnip plants. Handpick the worms or use a natural insecticide, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Harvesting and Storing
Exhibition parsnips are typically ready for harvest in the fall, about 100-120 days after sowing. Here’s how to harvest them:
1. Choose the Right Time: Harvest your parsnips when they are fully mature and the foliage has started to die back.
2. Dig Carefully: Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the parsnips. Be careful not to damage the roots.
3. Clean and Store: Brush off any excess soil and store the parsnips in a cool, dark, and dry place.
The Art of Presentation
Once you’ve harvested your exhibition parsnips, it’s time to showcase them. Here are some tips for presenting your prize-winning parsnips:
- Cleanliness is Key: Wash the parsnips thoroughly and remove any blemishes or imperfections.
- Size Matters: Exhibition parsnips should be long, straight, and uniform in size.
- Presentation Matters: Display your parsnips on a clean, white surface or in a decorative basket.
- Highlight the Best: Choose your most impressive parsnips to showcase.
Beyond the Show: Delicious Recipes
Exhibition parsnips are not just for show; they are also incredibly delicious. Here are a few recipe ideas for showcasing their unique flavor:
- Roasted Parsnips with Honey and Thyme: Roast the parsnips until they are tender and caramelized. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with thyme for a sweet and savory treat.
- Parsnip Soup: Puree roasted parsnips with vegetable broth for a creamy and flavorful soup.
- Parsnip Mash: Mash cooked parsnips with butter and seasoning for a delicious side dish.
The Journey to Perfection: Tips for Success
Growing exhibition parsnips is a journey of patience and meticulous care. Here are a few additional tips to maximize your chances of success:
- Start Early: Start your seeds indoors early in the season to ensure ample time for growth.
- Choose a Sunny Spot: Parsnips need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Use High-Quality Soil: Parsnips thrive in loose, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Water Regularly: Consistent moisture is key to growing healthy, large parsnips.
- Protect from Pests and Diseases: Take preventative measures to protect your parsnips from pests and diseases.
Beyond the Show: A Legacy of Flavor
Growing exhibition parsnips is more than just a pursuit of perfection; it’s a celebration of the beauty and bounty of the garden. These culinary masterpieces not only delight the eyes but also tantalize the taste buds, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who experiences them.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I grow exhibition parsnips in containers?
While it’s possible to grow parsnips in containers, they may not reach the same size and shape as those grown in the ground. Choose a large container (at least 12 inches deep) and ensure it has good drainage.
2. How long does it take for parsnips to mature?
Parsnips typically take 100-120 days to mature from seed to harvest.
3. What can I do if my parsnips are not growing straight?
If your parsnips are growing crooked, it could be due to poor soil conditions, overcrowding, or pests. Ensure the soil is loose and well-drained, thin out the seedlings if they are overcrowded, and protect them from pests.
4. Can I save seeds from exhibition parsnips?
You can save seeds from exhibition parsnips, but they may not produce offspring with the same size and shape as the parent plant. Parsnips are cross-pollinated, so saving seeds from a single variety may result in a mix of traits.
5. What is the best way to store exhibition parsnips?
Store your exhibition parsnips in a cool, dark, and dry place. A root cellar or refrigerator is ideal. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in freezing temperatures.
