VegetableParsnip
All American Parsnip
Standard Parsnip
All American Parsnip is a smooth-shouldered variety that delivers the sweetness and tender texture home gardeners dream about. Its uniform white roots stretch 12 inches long and reach 2, 3 inches across, with fine-grained flesh that cooks down silky when mashed. Ready in 95, 125 days, this cultivar thrives in full sun and germinates best when soil temperatures hover between 50, 70°F. The real reward comes in fall and winter cooking, when its naturally high sugar content shines through in every bite.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam, Deep Soil
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
—
Height
—
Width
18 in
Spacing
95–125
Days to Harvest
PeriodBiennial
TypeRoot
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-10
Size
?in H x ?in W
Growth
Biennial
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
This parsnip earned its all-American reputation through straightforward excellence. The flesh is notably sweet and tender with a light yellow color and mild flavor that appeals to cooks who find other parsnips too assertive. It stores exceptionally well once harvested, making it one of the best varieties to tuck away for months of eating through winter. The uniform root shape and smooth shoulders mean less trimming and faster prep time compared to knobby varieties.
Common Uses
All American shines when roasted until caramelized, its natural sugars deepening into rich sweetness. The tender flesh makes it a natural choice for mashing with butter as a luxurious side dish, rivaling potatoes in comfort and exceeding them in subtle flavor. Its fine-grained texture also works beautifully in soups, stews, and purees where it breaks down smoothly and adds subtle sweetness.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Early Summer (If Overwintered)
First Harvest
Late Fall
Last Harvest
Early Spring (If Overwintered)
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is not recommended for this variety.
Direct Sow
Sow All American directly outdoors in late spring or early summer, timing your planting about 4 months before your average first fall frost date. In mild climates, you can also sow in fall for a spring harvest. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/2 inch. Germination is reliable when soil temperature stays between 50, 70°F.
Harvesting
All American reaches harvest maturity in 95, 125 days, though timing can vary depending on your planting date and growing conditions. Roots are ready to dig when they reach 12 inches long, though they can grow up to 18 inches if left longer. Parsnips actually taste sweeter after a light frost, as cold triggers starches to convert to sugars. Loosen soil around the root with a spade or garden fork before pulling to avoid breaking the root. Harvest before the ground freezes hard if you live in cold climates.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Pastinaca L.
Family
Apiaceae
Genus
Pastinaca
Duration
Biennial
Native Status
L48 (I)AK (I)CAN (W)SPM (W)