This beloved heirloom parsnip traces its roots back to 1820s American gardens, producing sweet, white taproots that stretch up to 15 inches long. Taking 120-129 days to reach maturity, Hollow Crown transforms from seed to substantial root vegetable, developing its signature sweetness after the first frost touches the foliage. Originally cultivated by Romans and brought to America by early settlers, this variety has earned its place as a fall garden standard for nearly two centuries.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
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Moderate
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The magic of Hollow Crown lies in its remarkable transformation after frost, when starches convert to sugars and create an incredibly sweet, nutty flavor that once served as Europe's primary sweetener before sugar became widely available. These impressive white roots can grow up to 15 inches long in deep, sandy soil, making them perfect for extended storage in root cellars through winter. The variety's historical significance runs deep, having been a popular choice in American gardens since the 1820s and representing a direct link to the parsnips that Romans first cultivated in Eurasia.
Hollow Crown parsnips excel in hearty winter cooking, lending themselves beautifully to roasting, sautéing, and mashing into creamy purees. They make exceptional additions to stocks and shine as a root vegetable component in stews and pot roasts, where their natural sweetness balances savory flavors. These versatile roots can be preserved through multiple methods including root cellar storage, canning, and freezing, making them valuable for year-round cooking.
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Direct sow seeds in earliest spring as soon as soil can be worked, planting 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and spacing initially 1 inch apart in rows.
Harvest Hollow Crown parsnips in fall after they've reached maturity, ideally leaving them in the ground until after the first light frost to maximize sweetness as starches convert to sugars. These hardy roots can remain in the ground throughout winter and be harvested as needed, with their flavor continuing to improve with extended cold exposure. Dig carefully to avoid breaking the long taproots, which can extend up to 15 inches deep.
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“Hollow Crown parsnips carry the legacy of ancient cultivation, originating in Eurasia where Romans first grew these hardy root vegetables before they eventually made their way to America with early settlers. This particular variety gained popularity in American gardens during the 1820s and has remained a steadfast favorite for nearly two centuries. The journey from Roman cultivation to American homesteads reflects the enduring appeal of this sweet, reliable root vegetable that sustained families through long winters when fresh produce was scarce.”