About
A small, bulbous perennial from rocky, dry habitats in the mountains of California with narrow, glaucous basal leaves and a short stem bearing one or two cup-shaped, pale lavender to violet, mariposa lily flowers with a darker eye near the base of each petal in late spring. A choice and rare Calochortus for a sunny, very well-drained bulb frame.
About the genus
A small genus of flowering, biennial plants from the carrot family. The cultivated species of parsnip is well-known for its edible, sweet, cream-yellow taproot. Flowers are produced in umbels, carried at the top of upright stems in second year
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 24474,selinum-carvifolium,Selinum carvifolium,Cambridge milk parsley,A small
Care notes
CultivationGrow on an open, sunny site with deep, light soil. Keep the soil evenly moist to prevent roots splitting. Add well-rotted manure the previous autumn, especially if growing on a clay or chalk soil. Chalk and clay aren’t ideal for growing parsnips so you could also try deep containers. The ideal soil pH is 6.5-7 so adjust pH where necessary. See parsnip cultivation for more information.
PruningNo pruning required..
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to carrot fly.
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to parsnip canker.