The Ultimate Guide: How to Grow Parsnips Commercially and Boost Your Farming

Parsnips, with their sweet and earthy flavor, are gaining popularity among discerning consumers. This has created a lucrative market for commercial parsnip growers. But how do you cultivate these root vegetables successfully on a large scale? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps, from choosing the right variety to harvesting and marketing your crop.

Understanding Parsnip Growth Habits

Parsnips are a biennial, meaning they take two years to complete their life cycle. In the first year, they focus on developing their taproot. This root is what we eat and can grow quite long, often reaching 12 inches or more. In the second year, the plant will flower and produce seeds.
For commercial growing, we are primarily concerned with the first year of growth. Parsnips thrive in cool weather and prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil. They need plenty of sunlight and a long growing season to reach their full potential.

Selecting the Right Parsnip Variety

Choosing the right parsnip variety is crucial for commercial success. Consider these factors:

• Maturity: Opt for varieties with a maturity period that aligns with your growing season and market demands. Some popular options include:
• All-American: This variety matures in 100-120 days and is known for its sweet flavor and long, uniform roots.
• Hollow Crown: This variety matures in 100-110 days and is resistant to hollow heart, a common parsnip defect.
• Guerande: This French variety matures in 120-130 days and produces large, flavorful roots.
• Disease Resistance: Look for varieties that are resistant to common parsnip diseases like parsnip canker, powdery mildew, and rust.
• Root Shape: Consider the desired shape and size of the parsnip roots for your target market. Some varieties have a more tapered shape, while others are more cylindrical.

Preparing the Soil for Parsnip Growth

Parsnips have deep taproots, so well-prepared soil is essential. Here’s how to get your field ready:

• Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content. Parsnips prefer a pH of 6.0-6.5.
• Amendments: Based on the soil test results, amend the soil with organic matter like compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
• Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches to break up any compacted areas and create a loose, workable soil structure.
• Weed Control: Control weeds before planting to minimize competition for nutrients and water.

Sowing Parsnip Seeds

Parsnip seeds are small and slow to germinate, so proper sowing is crucial:

• Timing: Sow parsnip seeds directly in the field in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
• Spacing: Sow seeds in rows 18-24 inches apart, with 2-3 inches between seeds within the row.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep.
• Germination: Parsnip seeds typically take 2-3 weeks to germinate, and the seedlings may emerge unevenly.

Parsnip Care: From Seedling to Harvest

Once your parsnip seedlings emerge, proper care is vital for healthy growth and a successful harvest:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Parsnips require regular watering, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for growth.
• Weed Control: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for water and nutrients.
• Thinning: Thin seedlings to the desired spacing once they have a few true leaves. This allows for better root development.

Harvesting and Handling Parsnips

Harvesting parsnips at the optimal time is essential for maximizing quality and yield:

• Timing: Harvest parsnips when they reach the desired size and maturity. This usually takes 100-130 days after sowing.
• Method: Use a garden fork or trowel to carefully lift the parsnips from the soil. Avoid damaging the roots.
• Cleaning: Remove any soil adhering to the parsnips and trim off the tops.
• Storage: Store harvested parsnips in a cool, moist environment. They can be stored in a refrigerator for several weeks.

Marketing Your Parsnip Crop

Marketing your parsnip crop effectively is crucial for profitability:

• Target Market: Identify your target market and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly.
• Direct Sales: Sell your parsnips directly to consumers through farmers markets, roadside stands, or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs.
• Wholesale: Sell your parsnips to wholesalers or food retailers.
• Value-Added Products: Consider processing your parsnips into value-added products like parsnip chips, parsnip puree, or parsnip soup.

A Successful Parsnip Harvest: The Final Word

Growing parsnips commercially requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can cultivate a thriving parsnip crop and reap the rewards of this increasingly popular root vegetable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the most common pests and diseases that affect parsnips?
A: Parsnips are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including parsnip canker, powdery mildew, rust, carrot root flies, and aphids.
Q: How can I prevent parsnip canker?
A: Parsnip canker is a fungal disease that can be prevented by rotating crops, using disease-resistant varieties, and avoiding over-watering.
Q: When is the best time to harvest parsnips for storage?
A: For optimal storage, harvest parsnips in the fall after the first frost. The cold weather will sweeten the roots and improve their storage life.
Q: Can I grow parsnips in a greenhouse?
A: While parsnips can be grown in a greenhouse, it is not ideal. They require a long growing season and cool temperatures, which can be difficult to achieve in a greenhouse environment.
Q: How can I improve the sweetness of my parsnips?
A: Parsnips become sweeter after they have been exposed to cold temperatures. You can improve their sweetness by harvesting them in the fall after the first frost or by storing them in a refrigerator for a few weeks.