Harris Model

Family: Apiaceae Vegetable

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

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Aug 8th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

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.