«Stimulus» - Organic Parsnip Seeds

Stimulus Improved is an outstanding later maturing variety. Its roots grow to 8 inches and it is exceptionally high in sugars, which results in a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

Selected for vigorous germination, resistance to canker, and smooth skins even in heavier soils. Many Americans serve parsnips glazed with brown sugar and fruit juice at Christmas.
 

It takes from 120 to 180 days for a parsnip to go from seeds to roots. When planting parsnips, plant the seeds ½-inch apart and ½-inch deep in rows at least 12 inches apart. This gives the growing parsnips room to develop good roots. Growing parsnips takes 18 days for germination. After seedlings appear, wait a couple of weeks and thin the plants to about 3 to 4 inches apart in rows.

Water parsnips well when growing parsnips or the roots will be flavorless and tough. Fertilization of the soil is also helpful, and you can fertilize your growing parsnips the same way you would your carrots. Side dress with fertilizer around June to keep the soil healthy enough for growing parsnips.

After 120 to 180 days, you’ll know when to harvest parsnips because the leafy tops reach to 3 feet tall. Harvest parsnips throughout the row and leave others to mature. Parsnips keep well when stored at 32 F. (0 C.). You can also leave some of the parsnips in the ground until spring; just throw a few inches of soil over your first fall crop of parsnips to insulate the roots for the coming winter. When to harvest parsnips in the spring is right after the thaw. The parsnips will be even sweeter than the fall harvest.