my parsnips...

[queen of the cobs]

..have germinated!

ok, so it's been 3 weeks on damp paper in the airing cupboard, and it's only 2 of them, but it's the first parsnip sucess I've ever had!

[roitelet]

Congratulations!

Only 2? Would suggest that you get another packet of seed and try again. Mine grew roots in a week! Last years seed and germination about 80%.

Sorry to boast

[veg4681]

It's been just over a week since I sowed my 'trial parsnips' in the heated propagator and still no signs of germination. I had estimated 1 week in a heated propagator so it looks like I'll have to bring forward my final sowing by 2 weeks or so.

My first sowing of parsnips on window sill took over 3 weeks to germinate but even then I'm not sure if they're parsnips, getting awfully confused here. Can anyone tell me if parsnips seedlings look like parsley or coriander?

[zazen999]

Hi
As parsley and coriander are linked somewhat to carrots, and thus parsnips - I would say yes!

I have only ever managed to germinate snoops in a plastic bag, on kitchen roll, on the windowsill. I'm sticking to that method for the time being!

[roadkill]

right let me get this right , do you have to sow parsnips first before planting or can they go straight in the ground ?

[veg4681]

Hi
As parsley and coriander are linked somewhat to carrots, and thus parsnips - I would say yes!

I have only ever managed to germinate snoops in a plastic bag, on kitchen roll, on the windowsill. I'm sticking to that method for the time being!

Thanks for the clarification. When they took so long to germinate I assumed the seedlings were peppers (looks similar) from disposed seeds, then they started looking like parsley/coriander . I think I'd like to try your kitchen roll method too.

right let me get this right , do you have to sow parsnips first before planting or can they go straight in the ground ?

You can do both but germination can be so erratic (upto 3 weeks), some people prefer to sow them indoors first, more so for a better level of control as anything can happen in the ground, light seeds blown away or they get mixed up with other weeds/plants or slugs eating them away. Feel free to check out parsnips growing guide from the site below.

How to grow parsnips with pictures and advice