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Plant Detail

Parsnip

Scientific name	Pastinaca sativa
Common name	Parsnip
Type	Vegetables
Variety	Perennial
USDA Zone hardiness	2a - 9b
Exposure	Full sun
Height	Under 1'
Spread	Under 1'

Parsnip, considered a winter vegetable because its flavor will not developed until the roots have been exposed to near-freezing temperatures for nearly a month. The exposure to the cold temperatures allows the starch in the parsnip to change into sugar and develop the interesting parsnip taste. Plant seeds in 3/4" deep fertile soil in April or May. Parsnip seeds often do not germinate so place a few seeds in each planting hole.