‘De Guernesey’
Ref: APIA_PA_SATI_001
Common Name: Parsnip / Panais / Παστινάκη
Scientific Name: Pastinaca sativa
Plant’s cycle: biennial
Light Requirement: full sun and semi-shade
Soil type: deep, light to medium-textured soil with good drainage. In clay soils germination and root growth are poor.
Sowing in nursery: -
Direct Planting: from late winter to late spring
Germination: 20 days after sowing at 19–24°C
Harvest: 80 days for leaves - 150 days for root. Requires two seasons to produce seeds
Spacing: 15cm/30cm/1cm deep
Flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)
Pollination: cross-pollinated by insects
Plant is self-fertile
Seed preservation: 2 years
Edible Parts: Leaves, Root, Seed
Medicine: The root contains xanthotoxin, which is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. A poultice of the roots has been applied to inflammations and sores.
Other Uses: Insecticide; Repellent.
Roughly chop the leaves and roots, put them in a basin with enough water to cover, leave them overnight then strain and use as an insecticide against aphids and red spider mite.
Known Hazards: Skin contact with the sap can cause photosensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people.