Crop type: Parsnips
Pastinaca sativa ‘Albion’
Common name: Parsnip ‘Albion’
Crop slug: parsnips
This Allotment Pro editorial draft summarises the cited RHS cultivar profile and its linked crop guidance. Check the sources and adjust cultivation decisions for local conditions.RHS cultivar profile
1 - Overview
‘Albion’ is an AGM parsnip producing good yields of uniform, long, smooth white roots that taper evenly to about 30cm. Its white skin is slow to discolour, while the flesh has a sweet flavour and good texture. It was bred for resistance to parsnip canker, making it particularly useful where damaged or diseased roots have been a problem.
Sow direct from March to May and harvest from September to February. Fresh seed, warm soil and a deep stone-free seedbed support its characteristically straight roots.
2 - Size
- Root length
- about 30cm
- Ultimate foliage height
- 0.1–0.5 metre
- Ultimate spread
- 0.1–0.5 metre
- Time to maturity
- one year
Thin seedlings to one plant every 15cm, with rows 30cm apart. The root needs depth more than surface space, so loosen compacted ground before sowing.
3 - Growing conditions
- Suitable soils
- Chalk, clay, loam or sand when adequately prepared
- Moisture
- Moist but well drained
- Preferred pH
- Acid or neutral; the profile notes an ideal cultivation pH around 6.5–7
Use deep light soil and keep moisture even to prevent splitting. Add well-rotted manure the previous autumn rather than immediately before sowing. Deep containers can help on difficult chalk or clay ground.
4 - Position and hardiness
- Light
- Full sun or partial shade
- Aspect
- East-, south- or west-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- Hardiness
- H5
An open sunny position encourages steady growth. Roots are hardy enough to remain in the ground through winter, although straw insulation helps when soil freezes.
5 - Colour and seasonal interest
The root is notably smooth and white, with an even taper rather than a bulbous crown or forked form. Fresh skin discolours slowly after lifting. Above ground, finely divided green foliage forms a columnar upright clump before dying back in autumn.
6 - Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to Great Britain and Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
- Accepted
Genus
Pastinaca is a small genus of biennial carrot-family plants. The cultivated parsnip is known for its edible sweet cream-yellow taproot; if left for a second year, it produces umbels on upright stems.
Safety
Parsnip sap can make skin sensitive to sunlight. Wear gloves and cover arms when handling foliage, especially in bright weather. The cultivated root is edible after normal kitchen preparation.
7 - How to grow
Cultivation
Sow fresh seed directly from March to May once soil is around 12°C. Make drills 1cm deep and sow three seeds at 15cm stations, with rows 30cm apart. Germination may take 14–30 days. Thin each station to its strongest seedling.
Keep young rows weed-free and water during dry spells, maintaining even moisture as roots enlarge. Protect with insect-proof mesh against carrot fly. Lift from September to February, ideally after frost has increased sweetness, or leave sound roots in the ground for winter storage.
Propagation
Propagate by fresh seed sown directly. Do not transplant the developing taproot.
Suggested locations
- Cottage or informal garden
- Wildlife garden
- Sunny vegetable plot
- Raised bed with deep soil
- Deep container on difficult ground
Pruning
No pruning is required. Remove foliage after lifting and avoid cutting into the root crown.
Pests
May be susceptible to carrot fly. Use fine mesh from sowing and minimise handling of scented foliage.
Diseases
Shows good resistance to parsnip canker. Avoid root injury and waterlogging even when growing a resistant cultivar.