Parsnip Harris Model Seed
Best choice for home gardeners seeking sweet, easy-to-clean gourmet parsnips.
Cultivate exceptional parsnips with the Harris Model Parsnip Seed, a top choice for discerning gardeners. This variety is renowned for its superior texture and sweet flavor, producing roots that are remarkably smooth, white, and easy to clean. The biennial plants develop minimal rootlets and grow into a desirable long, slim shape. Originating from the breeder's carefully selected strain, these seeds promise an attractive and highly marketable parsnip crop. Please note that this product is currently unavailable.
$18.28
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3240
/ 6504
#3240 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
+72%
Above average
Maturation Days
120
/ Days
Who it's for
- Gardeners prioritizing reliable germination and high-quality genetics
- Home cooks seeking uniform, sweet, and professional-looking harvests
- Homesteaders wanting winter-hardy crops for extended seasonal storage
Who should skip it
- Impatient growers needing quick results and easy germination
- Gardeners in regions with short, limited frost-free growing seasons
- Farmers managing heavy, wet, or poorly drained soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Root Uniformity
Selected strain genetics ensure a consistent, slim shape for every harvest.
Culinary Quality
Fine-grained texture and superior sweetness define this premium parsnip variety.
Ease of Cleaning
Minimal rootlets significantly reduce prep time in the kitchen.
Growing Difficulty
Long germination window requires patience and consistent soil moisture management.
Marketability
High visual appeal makes these roots stand out in any harvest.
Production Efficiency
Extended 120-day maturation period demands a long, stable growing season.
Key Specs
Maturation Days
120 Days
Soil Temperature
60-65°F
Seeding Depth
0.25-0.5"
Germination Days
14-28 Days
Spacing in Row
2-4"
Spacing Between Rows
2-3'
Planting Method
Direct Sow
Germination Lighting
Cover Seed
Features
- Smoothest and whitest root development
- Minimal rootlets for easy cleaning
- Long, slim, attractive shape
- Fine-grained texture with superior sweetness
- Originator’s carefully selected strain
- Biennial vegetable life cycle
- Loose seed form
- Open-pollinated variety
What customers say
The Harris Model Parsnip Seed is widely regarded as a dependable, classic choice for gardeners. Users consistently praise the high germination rates, which lead to excellent stand establishment when cultural practices are followed. The resulting parsnips deliver the traditional sweet and earthy flavor profile expected, often achieving impressive size and uniformity ideal for storage. Many experienced gardeners rely on this variety for consistent winter harvests across various zones. The overall consensus highlights the exceptional quality and robust yield potential, confirming the seed’s strong reputation for reliability and performance.
Know before you buy
These parsnips typically require 120 days to reach full maturity after planting. Because they have a longer growing season, it is best to plan your garden schedule accordingly to ensure they have enough time to develop their signature sweetness.
Parsnips thrive in loose, well-draining soil with a temperature between 60-65°F. Since this variety produces long, slim roots, ensure your soil is free of rocks or heavy clumps to prevent the roots from becoming stunted or misshapen.
No, this variety is not recommended for container gardening. Because of their long root structure, they require deep, open garden soil to develop their characteristic shape and quality.
Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.25 to 0.5 inches. It is important to cover the seeds with soil, as they do not require light to germinate and perform best when tucked into the ground.
This variety is specifically bred for a smoother, whiter root with minimal rootlets, which makes them much easier to clean and prepare in the kitchen. They are also noted for having a finer-grained texture and a superior sweet flavor compared to standard varieties.
Once your seedlings emerge, thin them to a spacing of 2 to 4 inches apart within the row. For the space between rows, allow 2 to 3 feet to ensure adequate airflow and room for maintenance.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$18