Parsnips

stackerman

I planted some parsnips last year for the first time and left some in the ground. They are now starting to grow new shoots from the ones I didnt pull. The question is this, can/should I leave them be and harvest later, or will the new growth simply use up the root ?
Sorry if this seems like a stupid question

johno2

It won't use up the root but it will get a bit smaller for the first couple of months they are growing. I often eat 2 year old parsnips when I stumble across them in the veggie patch. They're tougher than the young ones but I think they have a nicer wilder taste.

johno

dardevle

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parsnips are true biennials, that we grow as annuals for the tap root...if left in the ground, in its second year it produces flowers and seed heads , while over wintered parsnips are still good to eat into the 2nd calender year, once the plant emerges from dormancy and begins its new growth (shoots), the sugar/starch content of the root changes and the taste is not the same as you would be used to.....not bad for you -just different.:)



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