Can You Grow Parsnips in Pots?
Generally speaking, almost anything can be container-grown. I say almost anything. In the case of container-grown parsnips, a few criteria need to be met. After all, since the plant is grown for its long roots, it would seem you would need an awfully deep pot. Parsnip roots can grow from 8-12 inches (20.5-30.5 cm.) in length and 1 ½-2 inches (4-5 cm.) across. Therefore, containers for parsnips should be about 2-3 times the length of the mature parsnip. Provided you have a deep enough pot, growing parsnips in containers is worth a try.
How to Grow Parsnips in Containers
Parsnips are started from seed, and the newer the seed the better since parsnip seed loses its viability quickly. Note – you can also use purchased transplants if you find them, or start the seeds first and move them to a pot once large enough. Select a pot for container-grown parsnips that is plenty deep, at least 2 feet (0.5-1 m.) deep, though 3 would be better, to accommodate the long root. Be sure that the pot has adequate drainage holes. Fill containers for parsnips with well-draining, compost-rich soil. Sow seeds to a depth of ½ inch (1.5 cm.) and lightly cover with soil. Parsnips don’t germinate very well, so seed thickly with at least 2-3 seeds per inch (2.5 cm.) to get a good stand. Dampen the soil and keep it moist, not drenched. Be patient. Parsnips are slow to germinate. It can take up to 34 weeks from seed to harvest. Once the seedlings are up, thin the parsnips to 2-4 (5-10 cm.) inches apart. Keep your container-grown parsnips damp, not wet. Parsnips sweeten up nicely when they have been exposed to a couple of weeks of freezing temperatures in the fall. However, those grown in pots will be far more susceptible to actually freezing and then rotting, so lay a good thick layer of organic mulch around the plants to protect them from freezing and retain moisture.
