Parsnip Varieties

Avonresister

• Avonresistor is a short-rooted variety of parsnip that is suitable for small gardens, as it does not grow big roots. It is a variety resistant to canker, a common disease for parsnip, and grows well in shallow, light soils. The recommended pH for soils is 6 to 7. Avonresister parsnips can be harvested from mid-autumn through the winter. USDA Hardiness Zones are 2 to 9.

Gladiator

• Gladiator is a hybrid variety of parsnip that is fast-maturing and has a good resistance to diseases. Germination for the Gladiator parsnip variety is slow, and roots are harvested from fall onwards. After frosting, the roots have a sweet taste. This type of parsnip is easy to peel and has a white flesh. It prefers light sandy, soils; its sowing period is February to May. Gladiator parsnip requires little maintenance, but needs careful weeding.

Cobham Improved Marrow

• The Cobham Improved Marrow parsnip is a variety with long roots and is resistant to canker. It grows well in light soils with a pH of about 6.5. Avoid acidic soils, as they may cause cankerous roots. The Cobham Improved Marrow has a long germination period that may last up to three weeks. It grows well in partial to full sun.

Hollow Crown

• The Hollow Crown is an English variety of parsnip. Its main characteristic is a hollow crown formed in the part of the plant where the leaves attach to the root -- hence the name. This variety has white flesh and a mild flavor. The roots may grow up to a foot long, and their skin has a pale brown color. The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and it grows well in all types of soils, from sandy to fertile.