How to grow Hamburg Parsley in New Zealand
Hamburg parsley, also called root parsley or turnip-rooted parsley, looks like flat-leaf parsley above ground and grows a thick, white, parsnip-like root below. The root has a nutty flavour somewhere between parsnip and celeriac, and the leaves can be picked as parsley along the way, so one sowing gives two crops. Grow it like a parsnip: sow direct in deep, loose soil and be patient while it germinates.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Hamburg Parsley in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to January | Keep sowing through Nov to Dec with steady watering. Make the last sowing in Jan so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Otago & Southland | September to January | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Cool summers let you keep sowing through Nov to Dec. Make the last sowing in Jan so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | September to December | Start spring sowings in Sep; the soil is too cold before then. Keep sowing through Nov to Dec with steady watering. Skip autumn sowings; growth stops before they are ready. |
Where to plant
Grow Hamburg parsley in full sun to light shade in deep, loose, stone-free soil, so the roots can grow long and straight. Stones, clods and fresh manure make roots fork. Dig in well-rotted compost well before sowing and keep the bed moist.
It is a member of the carrot family, so rotate it with carrots, parsnips and celery rather than following them in the same bed.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, the central North Island, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: sow from August to October and from January to April.
- Canterbury: sow from August through to January with steady watering. Make the last sowing in January so the crop is ready before winter growth stops.
- Otago and Southland: sow from September, when the soil has warmed, through to January.
- Central Otago: sow from September to December. Skip autumn sowings, as growth stops before they are ready.
Choosing a variety
Hamburg Half Long is the standard variety, with a thick, tapered root about 15 to 20 cm long and parsley-flavoured tops. It is sold by several New Zealand seed companies.
How to plant
- Sow seed direct where it is to grow, as it dislikes transplanting. Sow about 1 cm deep in rows.
- Keep the seedbed evenly moist. Like all parsley, it is slow to germinate and can take two to four weeks to come up.
- Thin seedlings to about 10 to 15 cm apart once they are big enough to handle.
- Keep weeds down while the seedlings are small, as they grow slowly at first.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially in dry spells. Uneven watering can make roots split or turn woody.
Hamburg parsley needs little feeding if the bed was improved with compost before sowing. Avoid fresh manure or heavy nitrogen, which gives forked roots and lots of leaf.
Harvesting
Pick a few outer leaves at any time once plants are growing well, and use them like flat-leaf parsley. Do not strip a plant bare, or the root will stay small.
Lift the roots from about three to four months after sowing, once they have bulked up, easing them out with a fork. They can stay in the ground through autumn and winter and be dug as needed, as cold weather improves the flavour. Store lifted roots like carrots or parsnips, in a cool, dark place or wrapped in the fridge.
Growing in pots
Only worth trying in a deep pot or trough at least 30 cm deep, filled with light potting mix. A pot works better if you mainly want the leaves.
Companion planting
Hamburg parsley takes little space above ground and fits into rows beside other root crops and summer vegetables.
Good companions
- Tomato The Herb Federation of New Zealand suggests growing parsley near tomatoes, which aphids favour more than parsley.
- Asparagus Parsley is a traditional companion for asparagus beds.
Keep apart
Avoid planting these close to hamburg parsley.
- Lettuce Traditional companion lists keep them apart, and both need the same steady moisture.
Pests and diseases
Hamburg parsley shares the problems of carrots and parsnips. It is mostly trouble free in home gardens.
Pests to watch for
- Carrot rust fly Rusty brown tunnels in the roots and plants that yellow or stall. Sow thinly so you need little thinning, which releases the scent that draws the flies, and cover the crop with fine mesh.
- Aphids Clusters of small insects on the leaves and stems.
Diseases to watch for
- Leaf spot Brown spots on older leaves in wet weather. Pick off affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Common questions
What does Hamburg parsley taste like?
The root has a mild, nutty flavour, somewhere between parsnip and celeriac, with a hint of parsley. The leaves taste like flat-leaf parsley.
When do I sow Hamburg parsley in New Zealand?
In most of the North Island and the top of the South, sow from August to October and from January to April. In Canterbury, Otago and Southland sow in spring through to January, and in Central Otago from September to December.
Why is my Hamburg parsley slow to come up?
All parsley is slow to germinate, often two to four weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist and do not let it dry out or crust over while you wait.
Can I eat the leaves and the root?
Yes. Pick a few leaves at a time as parsley while the root grows, but leave plenty on the plant so the root still bulks up.
How do I cook Hamburg parsley root?
Use it like parsnip: roast it, add it to soups, casseroles and stews, or grate it raw into salads. It is a staple in central and eastern European cooking.
Why are my roots forked?
Stony or lumpy soil, fresh manure and transplanting all cause forked roots. Sow direct into deep, loose soil that was improved with compost well before sowing.
Sources we checked: Herb Federation of New Zealand: Parsley (including Hamburg parsley); Sentinels Group (NZ seed supplier): Hamburg root parsley.