Hollow Crown Parsnips are easy to grow with well-tapered crowns that are white and smooth. Hollow Crown produces heavy yields that grow to be 30 cm (12") long with 5 cm (2") crowns. When young and tender, the roots are delicious raw. These parsnips are also excellent in soups, stews, and vegetable dishes. Frost enhances the sweet delicate nut-like flavor. Latin Name: Pastinaca sativa Seed Type: Heirloom Online Code: 101477 Product Weight: 1 gram / approximately 350-375 seeds Plant Type: Vegetable Flavor: Buttery with a nutty flavor Days to Harvest: 120 days Days to Seed Germination: 21 to 28 days Seed Planting Depth: 1.3 cm (1/2") Row Spacing: 45 cm (18") Plant Spacing: 8 cm (3") Planting Instructions: For the finest parsnips, seed directly outdoors in deeply tilled soil. To speed germination, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Scatter seeds in rows, dropping 3-4 seeds every 3 inches. When seedlings have 3 leaves, thin to one plant every 3 inches. Suggestions: Soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing to shorten germination time. Frost enhances the sweet delicious nut-like flavor. Preparation Ideas: Parsnips are at peak flavor if harvested after first frost. Peel, remove ends and cut into 1" pieces. Bring 1" of water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Add parsnip pieces and cover. Cook parsnip until fork tender (approximately 10 minutes). Drain water and mash parsnips like potatoes. Add salt and pepper and any other desired flavorings.