Parsnip Seeds - Hollow Crown

Name: Parsnip Seeds - Hollow Crown
Brand: Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
SKU: PR4
Price: 2.0 USD
Availability: InStock

Classic English heirloom parsnip with creamy roots and delicious flavor that sweetens in cold weather.

Alliance of Native Seedkeepers | SKU: PR4

Sustainability features Details

1-Year Warranty Details

Non-GMO / BE Policy Details

— seeds / pkt

Description

Discover the robust charm of Hollow Crown parsnips, a classic variety cherished for its exceptional flavor and reliability. These parsnips grow to an impressive length, often reaching up to 12 inches, with a creamy white exterior that deepens to a warm ivory as it matures. With a growth cycle of approximately 120-150 days, Hollow Crown parsnips thrive in cooler climates, making them an excellent choice for fall and winter harvests.

Renowned for their sweet, nutty flavor, Hollow Crown parsnips add a delightful depth to soups, stews, and roasts. Their smooth, tapered roots are easy to clean and prepare, offering a versatile ingredient that shines when roasted or pureed. This heirloom variety is celebrated for its consistent yield and ability to store well, allowing you to enjoy its delightful taste long after the harvest season has ended.

Hollow Crown parsnips are not only a culinary delight but also a resilient addition to your garden. Their hardy nature and ability to improve in flavor after frost make them a gardener's favorite. Plant these seeds in well-drained soil, ensuring full sun exposure to maximize their growth potential. With Hollow Crown parsnips, you're cultivating a piece of history that promises both flavor and reliability in every bite.

$2⁰⁰ USD

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Minimum Seed Count

150

Life Cycle

Biennial

Scientific Name

Pastinaca sativa

Maturity

110-119 Days (from transplant)

Grow Location

In-ground bed, Raised bed, Greenhouse, High Tunnel, Community garden, Containers

Non-GMO Safe Seed Pledge

Common Pests & Problems — 'Hollow Crown' Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)Insects & MitesCarrot Rust Fly (Psila rosae) (stunted growth, rusty tunnels in roots)Controls: Use floating row covers to prevent egg-laying. Rotate crops annually to disrupt life cycles. Apply beneficial nematodes to soil in early spring. Encourage predators like ground beetles by maintaining diverse plantings.Aphids (leaf curling, sticky honeydew/sooty mold)Controls: Spray with a strong stream of water to dislodge aphids. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days. Disrupt ant trails to reduce aphid protection. Plant companion flowers such as marigolds and nasturtiums to attract beneficial insects.DiseasesCanker (Phoma complanata) (dark, sunken lesions on roots)Controls: Ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogged soils. Rotate crops with non-host plants for at least three years. Remove and destroy infected plant debris. Apply a copper-based fungicide as a preventative measure.Leaf Spot (Alternaria spp.) (small, dark spots on leaves)Controls: Space plants adequately to improve air circulation. Water at the base to keep foliage dry. Remove and dispose of infected leaves promptly. Use resistant varieties and apply fungicides if necessary.Physiological & Environmental IssuesForking Roots (caused by compacted soil or stones)Solutions: Prepare soil thoroughly by removing stones and breaking up clods. Ensure soil is loose and well-drained. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can exacerbate forking.Bolting (premature flowering due to temperature fluctuations)Solutions: Plant parsnips early in the season to avoid heat stress. Mulch to maintain consistent soil temperature. Select bolt-resistant varieties when available.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of insect damage or disease.- Use crop rotation and companion planting to deter pests.- Maintain good soil health with organic matter and proper drainage.- Apply protective row covers early in the season.- Remove and destroy any infected plant material promptly.- Encourage beneficial insects by planting diverse species nearby.

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Hollow Crown Parsnip, the storied root vegetable, emerges from the fertile soils of Europe, particularly thriving in the temperate climates of England and France. The name \"Hollow Crown\" is steeped in agricultural tradition, referring to the distinctive depression at the top of the root, which resembles a regal crown. Some suggest this name alludes to the parsnip's historical status as a staple food, once considered the \"king\" of root vegetables before the widespread cultivation of the potato.For centuries, parsnips have been cherished in European kitchens, not only for their sweet, nutty flavor but also for their nutritional and medicinal properties. Medieval cooks would roast or boil the roots, incorporating them into hearty stews and soups, particularly during the cold winter months when other fresh produce was scarce. In rural communities, parsnips were valued for their versatility: they could be mashed, baked, or even fermented into a type of beer. Herbalists of the time touted parsnips for their purported ability to aid digestion and soothe sore throats, while farmers appreciated their role in crop rotation, enriching the soil for future plantings.Though the parsnip's prominence waned with the rise of the potato, it experienced a revival in the 20th century as chefs and gardeners rediscovered its culinary potential and historical significance. The Hollow Crown variety, with its long, tapered roots and creamy white flesh, became a favorite among heirloom enthusiasts, celebrated for its resilience and robust flavor.Botanically, the parsnip belongs to the Apiaceae family, sharing lineage with carrots, parsley, and celery. Its cultivation dates back to antiquity, with evidence of its use found in Roman gardens and medieval monastic records. The Hollow Crown parsnip, in particular, is noted for its ability to withstand frost, a trait that enhances its sweetness—a phenomenon known as \"frost sweetening,\" which occurs when cold temperatures convert the root's starches into sugars.While modern cultivars have introduced new flavors and colors to the parsnip family, the Hollow Crown remains a beloved classic, a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability. It is the root that has traversed centuries, from ancient fields to contemporary kitchens, a symbol of agricultural heritage and culinary tradition.In today's gardens, growing Hollow Crown parsnips is a nod to history, a way to connect with the past while savoring the rich, earthy flavors that have delighted generations. It is a journey through time, honoring the farmers and chefs who have kept this noble root alive and thriving.

Shipped from U.S.A.

Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.

Triple tested

We regularly test the quality and germination rate of our seeds. We're so confident that our seeds are backed by a 1 year warranty!

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