🥕 Heirloom parsnip ‘Halblange’ – classic root vegetable (Pastinaca sativa L.) | Seeds

Parsnip ‘Halblange’ is a historic heirloom variety with a mild, sweet, and aromatic flesh. It is one of the most reliable parsnip varieties in Europe, especially well suited for the garden, where stable yields, good storage ability, and pronounced flavor are important.

This parsnip grows very well from home-grown seeds, is highly cold-hardy, and is suitable for both traditional garden beds and cultivation in large containers on balconies or terraces.

🌱 Variety characteristics

• Latin name: Pastinaca sativa L.

• Type: heirloom (heritage variety)

• Root: medium-length (halblange), conical, white to cream-colored

• Flavor: mildly sweet and rich, especially after frost

• Growing period: 120–150 days

• Hardiness: very cold-hardy, suitable for Northern European climates

📜 Variety history

Parsnip ‘Halblange’ originated in Central Europe in the 18th–19th century, when gardeners deliberately selected varieties with medium-length roots that performed well in a range of soil conditions. This heirloom variety stood out for its stable shape, reliable yields, and excellent storage qualities, making it popular in home gardens across Europe.

Today, ‘Halblange’ is experiencing a revival in organic gardens, smallholdings, and urban gardens.

🥗 Nutritional value (per 100 g)

• Energy: ~75 kcal

• Fiber: 4–5 g

• Potassium: ~375 mg

• Folate (B9): significant amount

• Vitamin B6: supports nervous system function

• Natural sugars: increase after frost

Parsnip is a valuable autumn and winter vegetable that provides satiety and a warming effect during the cold season.

🍽️ Culinary uses

Parsnip ‘Halblange’ is versatile and highly valued in the kitchen.

Traditional uses:

• soups and creamy soups,

• stews with other root vegetables,

• purées (pairs very well with potato or carrot),

• oven-roasted with mixed vegetables.

Modern cooking:

• pan-fried with butter or olive oil,

• as a potato alternative,

• in vegetarian and vegan dishes,

• in children’s meals – mild and naturally sweet.

🌿 Folk medicine

Parsnip has traditionally been used to strengthen the body during autumn and winter, to support digestion, and as a warming, nourishing root vegetable in cold climates. It was especially valued when access to fresh vegetables was limited.

🌱 Growing – how to grow parsnip ‘Halblange’?

● Parsnip sowing from seed

• Sowing: early spring (April–May), as soon as the soil can be worked.

• Seeds are sown directly in the bed or container, as parsnips do not tolerate transplanting well.

• Sowing depth: 1.5–2 cm.

• Row spacing: 30–40 cm.

• Spacing between plants: 8–12 cm after thinning.

• Soil pH: 6.5–7.5.

Parsnip germinates well in cool conditions, making it particularly well suited for Northern European gardens.

● Care

Regular weeding is essential during the first weeks, as parsnips grow slowly at the beginning and are easily overtaken by weeds. Without timely weeding, plant development is delayed and roots remain smaller.

Parsnips require even moisture, as strong fluctuations cause root cracking and fibrous texture. Overwatering should be avoided, as it reduces root quality.

Fresh manure must not be used, as it promotes excessive leaf growth and root deformation. Parsnips prefer well-prepared soil or mature compost incorporated in advance.

Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil from overheating, especially during dry periods or when growing in containers.

● Harvest

• Harvest is ready in autumn (October–December).

• Light frosts improve flavor.

• Roots can be left in the ground until winter.

• Stores well until spring.

🤝 Good garden companions

Onions, garlic, and leeks help reduce pest activity through their aroma and do not compete with parsnips for space in the soil.
Peas and beans enrich the soil with natural nitrogen and improve soil structure.
Lettuce and spinach grow quickly and are harvested early, allowing efficient use of garden space.

🚫 Poor companions

Carrots, celery, fennel, and other Apiaceae attract the same pests and diseases, increasing risk in the garden. Fennel in particular suppresses the growth of nearby plants.
Potatoes in dense plantings compete for moisture and nutrients and may cause parsnip root deformation.

✔️ Why choose parsnip ‘Halblange’?

• Proven heirloom variety

• Very well suited for sowing in gardens in cool climates

• Mild, sweet flavor

• Reliable yield and excellent storage

• Suitable for growing from home-grown seeds

Seeds per packet: 10
Author: Heart Garden Studio
Shipping: throughout Europe and internationally