Guernsey Half Long

Parsnip

120d to harvest

Sweet, nutty fragrance rises from the soil as Guernsey Half Long reaches maturity—its roots develop a smooth, creamy-white core with a gentle taper and a tender, fine-grained bite. The texture stays pleasantly crisp and uniform, making it a standout for roasting, pan-skillets, and velvety sauces, while its classic shape is equally well suited for pickling-style preparations. For gardeners who love dependable performance, Guernsey Half Long offers a long, elegant harvest window and a richly satisfying flavor in every batch.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Jan 29th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Taproot
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Pastinaca sativa (parsnip), and what should I do?

Parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) are often bothered by carrot rust fly and can also develop fungal leaf blights in wet, humid weather. Use floating row cover over the bed from emergence until about mid-season to block egg-laying, and thin promptly so foliage dries faster. Remove and discard badly spotted tops early, and avoid overhead watering to slow blight spread.

How often should I water Pastinaca sativa during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level do they need?

During active root growth (roughly weeks 4–10 after emergence), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, split into 1–2 deep waterings. If the soil swings from dry to wet, parsnip roots can crack or fork, so water more steadily during hot spells and mulch lightly to reduce drying.

How can I tell when guernsey half long parsnips (Pastinaca sativa) are ready to harvest?

Harvest when roots are firm and pencil-thick with good length, typically around 120 days from sowing. You can start lifting when the tops begin to yellow and after a light frost for sweeter flavor, but plan to harvest before the ground repeatedly freezes hard. Loosen the soil deeply with a fork so the long roots come out cleanly without snapping.