Hollow Crown, Parsnip Seeds

Hollow Crown Parsnip Seed

Long tapered roots reach roughly twelve to fourteen inches
Broad shoulders develop satisfying kitchen-sized portions
Frost exposure enhances their naturally sweet flavor
A classic choice for roasting, soups, and winter storage

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Pastinaca sativa

Days to maturity

105 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

500 Seeds

About Hollow Crown, Parsnip Seed, Parsnip Seed

Hollow Crown Parsnip is an old heirloom with the best crisp, parsnip taste of all! This variety produces a 12-14" tapering root that is 2-3" wide. Hollow Crown is a valuable winter food source that is best if eaten after the first frost as this causes them to produce more sugar.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/2"

Days to Germination

14–28 days

In-row plant spacing

3-6"

Row Spacing

18-24"

Plant profile

Maturity

Fall, Winter

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

24 inches

Growth Habits

Rosette

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

6,875

Seed Type

Heirloom

Growing Season

Cool-Season Crop

Before Planting

Deep, stone-free soil is essential for straight parsnip roots. Choose full sun, remove clods and undecomposed material, and work the bed to a fine loose texture. Avoid fresh manure and apply nutrients only according to a soil test.

Planting

Direct sow parsnips in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, using fresh seed because viability declines quickly. Keep the upper soil consistently moist during the long germination period; temporary row covering can prevent crusting and drying. Do not transplant. Thin seedlings after true leaves appear, leaving the final distance shown in the spacing field.

Watering

Maintain consistent moisture around developing parsnip roots. Water gently and deeply during dry weather, avoiding both drought stress and sudden heavy irrigation that may split or distort the crop.

Fertilizer

Feed parsnip sparingly with a balanced fertilizer when soil fertility is low. Too much nitrogen produces lush tops, delayed roots, and inferior shape or flavor.

Harvesting

Parsnip is ready when roots are fully colored, firm, and properly sized. Loosen the bed before pulling, especially for long roots, and harvest young for tenderness or later for storage use.

Tips

Prevent competition by keeping parsnip beds weed-free from emergence onward. Avoid compacting the soil, thin before roots crowd, and sample roots regularly so they do not become oversized.

AVG. Seeding Rate

1M/50', 5M/250', 25M/1,250', 436M/1 acre at 20 seeds/ft. in rows 24" apart.

Pests & Diseases

Parsnip canker, Itersonilia canker, powdery mildew, and root rots damage foliage and storage roots. Rotate Apiaceae crops, avoid crown injury, and maintain even moisture. Harvest carefully; do not store roots with dark sunken lesions, cracks, or soft areas, because decay continues after lifting.

Parsnip may suffer from wireworms, root maggots, nematodes, flea beetles, or voles. Inspect foliage and sample roots, maintain crop rotation, and use physical exclusion where practical.