Harris Model

Family: Apiaceae Vegetable

Planting Schedule

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Sweet, honeyed depth rises from Harris Model parsnips as they mature—an inviting, aromatic fragrance with a tender, creamy bite.

The roots form a smooth, uniform taper with a warm ivory interior, delivering a velvety texture that shines when roasted to a caramel-kissed finish or simmered into rich, spoonable sauces. A dependable 105-day choice for gardeners who want consistently attractive roots and bold, comforting flavor in every harvest.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 105 DaysHabit: Taproot

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Harris Model Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Aug 28th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Sep 1st – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Aug 28th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Aug 26th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Aug 21st – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Aug 17th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Aug 14th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Aug 8th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Aug 3rd – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jul 24th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	Jul 15th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	Jul 6th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	Jun 19th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	May 25th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Jan 14th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	105
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	55
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Harris Model parsnips earn their keep by staying smooth and creamy as they cook, with a naturally honeyed fragrance that loves heat. Roast them for browned edges and a velvety core, or simmer them into a thick purée—this is the kind of sweet, aromatic root that turns a simple pot into a proper comfort dish.

Best Uses

roast until deeply browned for a caramelized, spoonable interior
purée or mash for a smooth, silky side (no gritty texture)
slow simmer into a thick, creamy soup or chowder-style base
slice and pan-sear for tender centers with crisp, sweet rims

Flavor Profile

honeyed sweetness aromatic parsnip funk (clean, not muddy) creamy, velvety bite when cooked caramel-kissed edges after roasting

Kitchen Pairings

butter heavy cream thyme garlic nutmeg smoked bacon

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease issue is most common on Pastinaca sativa (parsnips), and how do I control it?

Parsnip can be hit by aster yellows (often seen as persistent yellowing, poor growth, and distorted leaves) and by carrot/parsnip rust flies with larval tunneling in roots. Rogue and destroy any plants showing persistent yellowing or distortion, and keep weeds down because they can host vectors. For root pests, use a fine insect net from early growth through summer and remove any damaged roots promptly to reduce breeding sites.

How often should I water parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) during the main growing phase?

During active root expansion, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, increasing during dry spells. Let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings, because consistently wet soil can reduce root quality and increase disease pressure. Mulch lightly to stabilize moisture and avoid wide wet/dry swings that lead to forked or cracked roots.

How can I tell when my parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when roots are full-sized for your spacing and feel firm; for most home beds that’s around 105 days after sowing, but size is your best guide. You can start lifting in late fall—parsnips often sweeten after cool weather, so late harvest is usually better if soil isn’t frozen solid. If roots are getting woody, lift before they become overly fibrous, especially after prolonged hard frosts.