Parsnip Alba Seeds

 

Parsnip Alba (Pastinaca sativa L.) is a reliable and traditional variety producing smooth, white-skinned roots with a tender texture and sweet, earthy flavour. Well-suited for both home gardeners and allotments, it is valued for its consistent growth and ability to store well into the winter months.

 

The long, uniform roots are ideal for roasting, mashing, soups, or hearty stews, making them a versatile addition to the kitchen garden.

Parsnip Alba thrives in open ground with well drained, fertile soil, developing its best flavour after the first frosts, which enhance its natural sweetness.

 

This hardy root crop is easy to grow and requires little maintenance once established. Its excellent storage qualities mean you can enjoy a fresh harvest well into the colder months, making it an indispensable winter staple.

 

Seed Qty: Approx. 2 grams

 

Sow: March – May (direct outdoors)

Germination: 14 – 28 days

Soil Type: Deep, light, fertile, well-drained soil with neutral pH (avoid freshly manured soil)

Height/Spread: Roots up to 30 – 40 cm long

Harvesting: October – February

Companion Plants: Onions, Radishes, Peas

Avoid Planting With: Carrots, Celery

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Outdoors: Sow seeds directly from March to May in finely prepared, warm soil. Sow in shallow drills 1 cm deep, spaced 30 cm apart. Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart once established. Keep soil moist, especially during dry spells, to encourage strong root development.

 

Parsnips take time to germinate, so be patient – marking rows with quick-germinating radishes can help you track progress. Roots can be left in the ground until needed, with flavour improving after exposure to frost.

 

Parsnip Alba is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a reliable, flavoursome, and long-storing root vegetable that delivers high-quality harvests all winter long.