Plant Database / Parsnip / Harris Model care

Parsnip 'Harris Model'

Pastinaca sativa

20 plantings
8 available for swap
0 wanted
35 stashed

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Belonging to the Pastinaca genus (Pastinaca sativa 'Harris Model'), Harris Model is a variety of Parsnip. Harris Model is a heirloom variety.

Bright white, long roots, this variety reports to grow as big as 24" down, but more regularly grow to around 12" long. Harris Model is the standard variety, being well known for which all other parsnips are compared. Fine grained and very sweet roots,

Harris Model grows as an Annual and is a Vegetable. Being an Annual, it tends to grow best over the course of a single year.

Harris Model Parsnip needs a moderate amount of maintenance, so some level of previous experience comes in handy when growing this plant. Ensure that you are aware of the soil, sun, ph and water requirements for this plant and keep an eye out for pests.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Parsnip 'Harris Model' have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Parsnip 'Harris Model'

Partial Sun
+
Medium

Parsnips are best eaten after the first hard frost. The frost actually converts the starch in the root into sugar, making them sweet. It’s best to harvest in mid winter, or in early spring after the soil thaws. If planning to harvest in the spring, mulch heavily so the roots won’t rot in the grown. Some varieties are better ground keepers than others. Harris Model is an exceptional ground keeper, reportedly not even necessarily needing mulching.

Double digging is a good practise when planting parsnips. As with carrots, if the soil is too hard or rocky, the growth will be stunted and splits will form in the root.

Plant in a location that enjoys partial sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Harris Model is thought of as half hardy, so it will need protecting in periods of cold weather. Use USDA Hardiness Zone 2 - 9 as your guideline for the appropriate climate for this plant. Planting Harris Model in loamy soil with a ph of between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal for as it does best in weakly acidic soil.

Growing Harris Model from seed

Aim to sow 0.47 inches (1.2 cm) deep and try to ensure a gap of at least 0.98 inches (2.5 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 16°C / 61°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Harris Model about 15 days after your last frost date.

Transplanting Harris Model

As Harris Model is half hardy, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

Harvesting Harris Model

This variety tends to be ready for harvesting by early winter.