White Gem Parsnip – 100 Seeds

White Gem Parsnip is a 1970s selection of Offenham Market Parsnip, which was a new, well-respected variety in the early 1900’s. This variety has shorter roots than some other varieties. It is sweet, productive, canker-resistant, and can grow even in clay and shallow soils. It is very popular with home gardeners.

Growing White Gem Parsnip

Indoor Sowing: Not Recommended.

Direct Sowing: Mid Autumn.

• Seeds should be planted in deep, loose fertile soils such as well-draining sandy loam or peat.
• Direct Sow three or four seeds on the surface of the soil at 15cm intervals, 13mm deep in rows 25 to 30cm apart.
• Cover with a layer or soil and keep soil moist, but not wet until germination.
• Optimum soil temperature for germination is between 10 to 21ºC.
• Germination is slow and can take anything from 6 weeks or longer.
• When the seedlings are about 2.5cm high, thin out to leave one seedling per 15cm, as they need room to grow.
• It is wise to mulch the rows after planting as the soil must remain cool and moist during the germination period when the seeds are in danger of drying out. Water regularly.
• Consider planting radish seed along with the parsnips as they will mark the row and keep the soil crust from hardening, making life a little easier for the parsnip pushing through. As the radishes become of edible size, use them and thin the parsnip seedlings to stand 15cm apart.
• The tops will die down once the parsnips are ready to be harvested – usually about 102 days after sowing the seeds.