Harris Early Model Parsnips feature cream-colored, large, tapering roots that are 8-11 inches long with shoulders as wide as 3-1/2 inches. Enjoy Harris Early Model Parsnips raw, boiled and mashed for luxurious creamed parsnips, roasted, fried, or steamed! This biennial plant is usually grown as an annual and is a member of the parsley family. As a biennial, parsnips establish their long, tuberous root establishes in the first year and grow cream-colored skin and flesh in the second. When left in the ground to mature, parsnips becomes sweeter in flavor after winter frosts. An excellent source of folate, fiber, and vitamin C.

Also Known As: Wild Parsnip, American Hollow Crown, Heirloom Parsnip, White Albino Carrot, Root Swede, Prairie Parsley, Pastinaca, Snow Turnip.

Plant Name: Parsnip, Harris Early Model
Latin Name: Pastinaca sativa
Days to Germinate: 14-28
Days to Harvest: 130
Plant Height: 2 - 3 Feet
Spread: 6 -12 Inches
Growth Habit: Rosette, Root
USDA Zones: 2-9
Lifespan: Biennial
Brand: TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO: No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No
Seeds Packed For**: 2026
*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage. If planting in a garden bed, roots can be planted more densely, at a rate of 16 plants per square foot.

Planting:

Plant parsnips in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked and the soil reaches about 45F ( germination is 50F-70F). For fall crops, direct sow seeds 10-12 weeks before the first average frost date. In milder climates, it is possible to plant in late fall for overwintering and an early Spring harvest. To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 3 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Parsnips can also be double-planted (planted in pairs) down the rows. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant when seedlings emerge, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	3 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 2-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Read and follow fertilizer instructions for best application. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Harvest parsnips after the first frost. Or, if harvesting earlier, store the harvested parsnips 2-3 weeks below 35F for best flavor. Parsnips have natural starches that enzymes will then break down into sugar when frozen, this gives the parsnips its unique earthy sweetness. Harvest parsnips by pulling from the tops until the roots separate from the soil.