Tender and True

Season Overview

Description

Parsnip variety 'Tender and True' is one of the uncomplicated and robust varieties of this vegetable, which is very easy to grow anyway. It forms very long (up to 10 cm) and thick roots, which have a delicate slightly nutty and rather sweet taste. This usually improves with light frost. Parsnips belong to the winter vegetables, which can be harvested fresh even in late autumn and mild winter. Only in the second year the plant forms the large, beautiful umbel flowers, which are gracefully supported by a very tall stalk. In the Roman Empire, parsnips were already cultivated as a tasty root vegetable. They belonged in every vegetable garden until they were displaced by the cultivation of carrots and potatoes in the 18th century. Today, fortunately, people in Europe are once again turning their attention to this uncomplicated and delicious vegetable.

Growing tips

Parsnips can be sown directly outdoors in rows from the beginning of March. The ideal time in Central Europe is May. Seeds can eventually be mixed with lettuce or radish to mark the rows. Sowing depth: 1-2 cm. After emergence, thin out to a spacing of 5-10 cm. Row spacing: 30-50 cm. The biennial plant forms turnips in the first year, which can be harvested in the fall/winter. In the second year, beautiful flower umbels are formed, which attract many insects. Important: Carrots and parsnips are umbellifers. They should only be grown in the same place every four years to keep the soil healthy.

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Very humid

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

10 cm

Row spacing

40 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm