Pastinaca sativa
| Pastinaca sativa | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Life Cycle: | Biennial |
| Height: | 3' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Pastinaca sativa (common name: parsnip)
Propagation: Seed - sow from late winter to late spring in situ. Seed can be slow to germinate, especially from the earlier sowings[1], it is best to mark the rows by sowing a few radishes with the parsnips. The seed has a short viability, very few will still be viable 15 months after harvesting[1].
Cultivation: Succeeds in most ordinary well-drained soils[2]. Requires an open situation[3]. Prefers a deep rich soil that is not too stiff[4].
The parsnip is often cultivated in the temperate zone for its edible root, there are a number of named varieties[5][6][1]. Normally cultivated as a winter root crop, some cultivars are faster to mature and can be available in late summer[1]. The roots are very frost hardy and can be left in the ground to be harvested as required, though they can also be lifted in the autumn and stored for a few months[1].
The flowers are very attractive to hover flies and predatory wasps[7].
Plants have very few insect pests, though they are sometimes attacked by carrot root fly[7]. Growing onions with the parsnips can reduce the damage[7].
Roots of the wild form can quite quickly be increased in size by selective breeding and good cultivation, it is possible to obtain good sized roots in only 6 years.
Range: Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, the Caucasus and Altai.
Habitat: Roadsides and grassy waste places, especially on chalk and limestone[8].
Edibility: Root - raw or cooked[9][10][11][12][13][6]. When well grown, the cooked root has a very tender texture, though it is rather chewy raw[K]. It is best harvested after there have been some autumn frosts because it will have developed a sweeter flavour[14]. The root is delicious baked, it can also be used in soups etc and can be added to cakes, pies and puddings[6].
Leaves and young shoots - cooked with other greens as a vegetable or added to soups etc[12][6]. Used in early spring[12].
The seed is used as a condiment[12]. Similar in taste to dill[6].
Medicinal: A tea made from the roots has been used in the treatment of women's complaints[15]. A poultice of the roots has been applied to inflammations and sores[15].
The root contains xanthotoxin, which is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo[15]. Xanthotoxin is the substance that causes photosensitivity (see note above on toxicity)[15].
Usage: The leaves and roots are used to make an insect spray[16]. Roughly chop the leaves and roots, put them in a basin with enough water to cover, leave them overnight then strain and use as an insecticide against aphids and red spider mite[7].
Pollinators: Insects
Habit: Biennial
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Early Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Skin contact with the sap can cause photosensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[17][18][19]. Parsnip is said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine[19].
Also Known As: Peucedanum sativum.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Simons, Arthur. New Vegetable Growers Handbook. Penguin, 1977.
- ↑ Thompson, Robert. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son, 1878.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Allardice, Pamela. A-Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers, 1993.
- ↑ Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Mabey, Richard. Food for Free. Collins, 1974.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Launert, Edmund. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn, 1981.
- ↑ Vilmorin-Andrieux. The Vegetable Garden. Ten Speed Press.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Foster, Steven and Billy Tatum. Medicinal Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.
- ↑ Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes. Garden Way, 1978.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.
- ↑ Cooper, Marion. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. The Stationery Office, 1984.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.