This is a compact genus of biennial flowering plants belonging to the carrot family. The cultivated parsnip species is recognized for its edible, sweet, cream-colored taproot. In the second year, the plants develop umbels of flowers atop their erect stems.

Pastinaca lucida

Pastinaca sativa is a biennial plant with a deep taproot and a distinctive aroma. Its stems, which can be solid or hollow and feature ridges, can grow up to 1.2 meters tall. The foliage consists of pinnate leaves that are lobed and segmented. In the summer months, the plant produces clusters of yellow flowers in umbels. Cultivating the wild parsnip is straightforward, requiring minimal care. You can leave the roots in the soil until you are ready to harvest. For best results, sow seeds in the spring to enjoy a harvest in the autumn. Depending on the specific cultivar, you may continue to gather parsnips into February or March, allowing for fresh homegrown produce during the holiday season.

Pastinaca sativa

Pastinaca sativa 'Albion' is known for its consistent production of long, straight, white roots that taper gently. The skin maintains its color well over time, and the roots offer a pleasant sweetness along with a satisfying texture. This variety has been developed to resist canker, making it suitable for organic cultivation. Sow seeds between March and May, and plan to harvest from September through February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Albion'

Pastinaca sativa 'Archer'

Pastinaca sativa 'Avonresister'

Pastinaca sativa 'Bielas'

Pastinaca sativa 'Carr'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Cobham Improved Marrow'

Pastinaca sativa 'Countess' is a recently developed maincrop variety known for its high yields and pale cream, sweet-tasting flesh. It is suitable for exhibition, as it maintains its color even after washing, while also thriving in home gardens and allotments. This cultivar exhibits strong resistance to canker and can be harvested throughout the winter months, allowing for fresh parsnips at Christmas. Sow seeds from March to May and harvest from September to February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Countess'

Pastinaca sativa 'Dagger'

Pastinaca sativa 'Duchess'

Pastinaca sativa 'Dugi Bijeli'

Pastinaca sativa 'Excalibur'

Pastinaca sativa 'Exhibition Long'

Pastinaca sativa 'Fist'PBR

'Gladiator' is a well-regarded parsnip variety known for its reliability and ease of cultivation, making it a favorite among exhibitors. The roots are elongated and slender, featuring a pale cream color with a consistently smooth skin and a flavor profile that is sweet and earthy. This variety thrives in a wide range of soil types, exhibits good resistance to canker, and maintains overall vigor. It matures quickly, allowing for an early harvest within the season. Sow seeds from mid-March to mid-May and harvest from September to February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Gladiator'

Pastinaca sativa 'Hablange Weisse'

Pastinaca sativa 'Hollow Crown Improved'

Originating in Britain as early as 1820, 'Hollow Crown' is among the oldest cultivated parsnip varieties still in production. While its growth may appear somewhat irregular, it compensates with a flavorful and smooth texture, making it ideal for mashing and roasting. This cultivar demonstrates strong resistance to canker and has excellent storage capabilities, fulfilling essential criteria for gardeners. The roots, which range from 25cm to 40cm in length, thrive best in light, stone-free soil. Sow seeds from March to May and plan to harvest between September and February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Hollow Crown'

Pastinaca sativa 'Imperial Crown'

Pastinaca sativa 'Javelin'

Pastinaca sativa 'Kamo'

Pastinaca sativa 'Lancer'

Pastinaca sativa 'Merlin'

Pastinaca sativa 'Ms 2'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Ms 5'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Ms6'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Offenham'

Pastinaca sativa 'Pacific'PBR

'Palace' PBR is a robust parsnip variety known for its smooth, wedge-shaped roots that offer a notably sweet flavor. This cultivar exhibits consistent and vigorous growth, along with some resistance to canker. Sowing should take place between February and May, with harvest occurring from October to February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Palace'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Panache' PBR features smooth, white skin and creamy flesh that offers a pleasant sweetness. The roots are sizable and wedge-shaped, demonstrating strong resistance to canker and excellent storage capabilities. Sow the seeds between April and June, and harvest from September through February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Panache'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Panorama'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Paragon'

Pastinaca sativa 'Pearl' PBR features elongated, slender roots covered in smooth white skin, offering a pleasant flavor profile. This variety excels in winter storage, remaining viable in the ground through colder months, and demonstrates strong resistance to canker. For optimal growth, sow seeds between February and May, and plan to harvest from July through March.

Pastinaca sativa 'Pearl'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Pegasus'

Pastinaca sativa 'Phantom'

Pastinaca sativa 'Picador' PBR is a robust cultivar known for its elongated, tapered white roots that offer a superior taste. It demonstrates strong resistance to canker. For optimal growth, sow seeds between March and May, and plan to harvest from October through February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Picador'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Pinnacle'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Polar'

Launched in 2021, 'Sabre' is a hybrid parsnip that has garnered positive feedback. This variety is recognized for its attractive, smooth white skin and elongated roots, with reports suggesting it can reach lengths of up to 5 feet when cultivated in barrels. In addition to its visual appeal, 'Sabre' offers a sweet taste and exhibits strong resistance to canker. Plant seeds from February to May and harvest from October through February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Sabre'

Pastinaca sativa 'Tate'PBR

Pastinaca sativa 'Tender and True' is a well-regarded heritage variety known for its dependable growth and superb flavor profile, characterized by sweetness and depth, particularly when roasted alongside a traditional Sunday meal. The roots are long and tapering, developing straight and uniform in well-drained soil, with minimal core formation, making them popular in competitive gardening. This variety also demonstrates good resistance to canker. Plant seeds from February to May and expect to harvest between October and February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Tender and True'

Pastinaca sativa 'The Student'

Pastinaca sativa 'Tusk'

Pastinaca sativa 'Victor'

Pastinaca sativa 'Viper' is an F1 hybrid known for its elongated, consistent roots featuring a shallow crown. When cultivated under optimal conditions, this variety can achieve impressive sizes, making it suitable for show purposes. Plant seeds from March to May and plan for harvest between September and February.

Pastinaca sativa 'Viper'

Pastinaca sativa 'White Gem' is well-suited for heavy or shallow soils, thanks to its compact and robust root structure. This variety offers consistent yields and has moderate resistance to canker, along with a pleasant sweetness. Plant seeds from March to May and plan for harvest between October and February.