Tozer led the development of F1 hybrid varieties with the release of Gladiator, the world’s first commercial F1 hybrid parsnip, and the Javelin. Warrior and Viking are two varieties that are also gaining popularity, according to the company. Warrior is an early vigor variety with a heavier whiter skin and Viking is a whiter skin variety with a higher yield and more consistent product for roasting, the company says. Besides these hybrid varieties, Tozer still offers open-pollinated parsnips, such as White Spear.
“The introduction of F1 parsnip hybrids moved the market toward a washable, firm and narrower parsnip,” said Kraig Kuykendall, sales manager of Tozer Seeds America. “It enabled the production of a more consistently marketable and cost-effective product.”
The development of new parsnip varieties has been important in the history of Tozer. The company says it continues to develop new hybrids with good vigor, canker resistance, shallow crowns, smooth skin, resistance to bruising and white roots of uniform shape and size.
