Troubleshooting
Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' problems — and how to fix them
Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' (Pastinaca sativa 'Hollow Crown') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Parsnip canker
As an older heirloom, 'Hollow Crown' lacks the canker resistance of F1 hybrids. Minimise rot with free-draining soil, wider spacing, earthing up exposed crowns, and avoiding root injury.
Slow, uneven germination
Open-pollinated parsnip seed germinates slowly and erratically and ages fast. Use only fresh seed, keep the seedbed moist, and expect 3-4 weeks to emergence.
Forked roots
Long roots are very sensitive to stones, compaction, and fresh manure. Grow in deeply dug, stone-free soil prepared the previous season.
Phototoxic sap
Furanocoumarins in the leaves can blister skin in sunlight; wear gloves and long sleeves when thinning or harvesting on sunny days.
Prevent parsnip 'hollow crown' problems before they start
Most parsnip 'hollow crown' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common parsnip problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' watering schedule
- Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' light requirements
- Best soil mix for parsnip 'hollow crown'
- Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' temperature & humidity
- Full parsnip 'hollow crown' care guide
Looking for parsnip 'hollow crown' in general rather than its problems? Read the full parsnip 'hollow crown' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' problems — FAQ
Why is my parsnip 'hollow crown' parsnip canker?
As an older heirloom, 'Hollow Crown' lacks the canker resistance of F1 hybrids. Minimise rot with free-draining soil, wider spacing, earthing up exposed crowns, and avoiding root injury.
Why is my parsnip 'hollow crown' slow, uneven germination?
Open-pollinated parsnip seed germinates slowly and erratically and ages fast. Use only fresh seed, keep the seedbed moist, and expect 3-4 weeks to emergence.
Why is my parsnip 'hollow crown' forked roots?
Long roots are very sensitive to stones, compaction, and fresh manure. Grow in deeply dug, stone-free soil prepared the previous season.
Why is my parsnip 'hollow crown' phototoxic sap?
Furanocoumarins in the leaves can blister skin in sunlight; wear gloves and long sleeves when thinning or harvesting on sunny days.