Parsnips are often grown following a leafy crop such as brassicas or lettuces which have been well fertilised. Varieties There has been little development of hybrid varieties and open-pollinated varieties are mainly used. The major varieties in Western Australia are Yatesnip No. 1, Melbourne Whiteskin and Hollow Crown. Check with your supplier for information on new varieties. Culture Parsnips can be seeded throughout the year in Perth and the south-west of Western Australia, but germination is better during the cooler months.
Seed remains viable for one year if kept cool and stored in a dry container.
The spacing between the rows may depend upon the type of harvester to be used. Sow the seed in situ 5 to 20 mm deep in rows 30 to 40 cm apart. This requires a total of 3.3 to 4.6 kg of seed to sow one hectare. Parsnips may also be planted in double rows with 40 cm centres, with the two lines in the double rows at 6 cm apart and plants at 8 to 10 cm within the rows. If seeds are hand sown, thin seedlings three weeks after germination to 75 mm apart.