Pastinaca sativa 'Gladiator'
parsnip 'Gladiator'
An established leading variety, this is a top-quality parsnip, that is often grown by the exhibitors as it’s so reliable and trouble-free. The long, slender roots are a soft pale cream with consistently smooth, blemish-free skin and a rich, sweet and earthy flavour. It grows well in most soils, is resistant to canker and is generally very healthy. Plants are quick to mature and can produce a crop very early in the season. Sow: Mid-March to mid-May, Harvest: September to February
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A small genus of flowering, biennial plants from the carrot family. The cultivated species of parsnip is well-known for its edible, sweet, cream-yellow taproot. Flowers are produced in umbels, carried at the top of upright stems in second year
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow on an open, sunny site with deep, light soil. Keep the soil evenly moist to prevent roots splitting. Add well-rotted manure the previous autumn, especially if growing on a clay or chalk soil. Chalk and clay aren’t ideal for growing parsnips so you could also try deep containers. The ideal soil pH is 6.5-7 so adjust pH where necessary. See parsnip cultivation for more information.
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to carrot fly.
Diseases
Shows good resistance to parsnip canker
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