Best Parsnip Varieties to Grow

Choosing the right parsnip variety is key to getting sweet, straight roots that thrive in your climate. Over decades of gardening in Sonoma Valley, I’ve grown many parsnip varieties and learned which ones perform best for flavor, size, and adaptability. Here’s my experience-based guide to help you pick the ideal parsnips for your garden.

Table of Contents

1. ‘Hollow Crown’

Flavor: Sweet, classic parsnip taste
Size: 10–12 inches long, tapered
Climate: Cool-temperate; thrives in regions with mild winters
Notes: Excellent for storage; roots remain tender after several months in cellar

My experience:
‘Hollow Crown’ consistently produces long, straight roots with minimal forking, making it my go-to for raised beds.

2. ‘Gladiator’

Flavor: Mild, slightly nutty
Size: 12–15 inches, robust
Climate: Performs well in cooler climates; tolerates heavier soils
Notes: High yield; good for both fresh eating and freezing

From my garden:
Gladiator parsnips grow quickly and are forgiving in slightly heavier soils, producing reliable harvests.

3. ‘Student’

Flavor: Sweet and tender, excellent for roasting
Size: Medium, 8–10 inches
Climate: Prefers cool, consistent temperatures
Notes: Fast-maturing; ideal for short-season gardens

My experience:
‘Student’ is perfect for container gardens or smaller raised beds where space is limited.

4. ‘Javelin’

Flavor: Sweet, strong parsnip flavor
Size: 10–14 inches, very straight
Climate: Performs best in mild, cool climates
Notes: Excellent for long-term storage; roots remain firm after frost

My experience:
I choose ‘Javelin’ when I want parsnips for cellaring; roots are remarkably uniform and flavorful.

5. ‘Albion’

Flavor: Nutty and rich
Size: Medium, 9–11 inches
Climate: Adaptable; tolerates a range of soils
Notes: Reliable germination and smooth roots; great for both fresh eating and preserving

Choosing a Variety for Your Garden

For flavor: ‘Hollow Crown’ and ‘Javelin’ shine after frost.
For short seasons: ‘Student’ or medium-sized varieties mature quickly.
For heavy soils: ‘Gladiator’ handles compacted soils better than long, slender types.
For containers: Medium varieties or shorter roots prevent root crowding.

My experience:
Selecting a variety that matches your soil type, bed depth, and climate ensures the straightest, sweetest roots.

Final Thought

Whether you prioritize flavor, size, or climate adaptability, the right parsnip variety sets the stage for a successful harvest. Over decades, I’ve found that choosing the variety first—before planting depth, spacing, or care—makes all the difference in producing straight, tender, sweet roots. These tried-and-true varieties consistently deliver excellent results in home gardens.