Hollow Crown

Family: Apiaceae Vegetable

Sweet, aromatic roots with a famously clean, creamy interior—Hollow Crown parsnip delivers a velvety, honeyed flavor and a tender bite that shines when roasted until caramel-browned at the edges.

The long, smooth roots hold their shape well, making them ideal for turning into silky purées and rich sauces, or for enjoying fresh from the garden with a gentle, nutty sweetness. Grow Hollow Crown for a dependable, show-stopping harvest that brings autumn warmth to every planting row.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 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 23rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	50
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Hollow Crown’s creamy interior turns into a spoon-smooth purée without tasting fibrous or sharp—roast it hard enough to bronze the outside and it gets that honeyed, almost custardy sweetness. It’s tailor-made for velvet textures: purée, soup, and rich sides where the root flavor stays clean and aromatic.

Best Uses

roast until edges caramelize, then finish with butter or olive oil for glossy sweetness
silky parsnip purée for a spoonable, velvety side
thick parsnip-based soup or purée to anchor stocks with natural body
grate raw or lightly pickled for a crisp, sweet salad bite

Flavor Profile

honeyed, nutty sweetness creamy, tender bite (less woody than many parsnips) clean aromatic “root” perfume caramel-brown roasting flavor with a silky finish

Kitchen Pairings

butter thyme cream nutmeg black pepper lamb

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Pastinaca sativa (Hollow Crown parsnips), and how do I manage it?

A common issue is parsnip canker (often shown as brown, sunken patches on roots and crown) which worsens in cool, wet soil. Remove and discard badly affected plants, avoid replanting parsnips in the same spot for several years, and keep the soil evenly drained by loosening and weeding to improve airflow around the crowns. If you see leaf blight or widespread yellowing, remove infected foliage early and don’t work the plants when leaves are wet to reduce spread.

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

From when seedlings are established through root bulking (roughly after the first few weeks), water deeply about 1–2 times per week, aiming for consistently moist—never soggy—soil. Water more frequently during hot, dry spells, but let the top 1 inch of soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root problems and splitting. Mulch lightly after shoots are up to steady soil moisture while parsnips are building their taproots.

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

Harvest when roots reach about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter and the plants are near their days to maturity (around 120 days), typically starting in late autumn. You can also use size as the guide: if the root is still thin, leave it longer; if the foliage is declining, it’s usually ready. For the best flavor, harvest after a light frost since it often sweetens the roots, and lift carefully with a fork to avoid breaking the taproot.