My parsnip germination expriment

[taff]

I did them in loo rolls last year, and the root is just coming out the bottom by the time you can see the leaves. It made for interestingly shaped parsnips last year, so straight in the ground for me this year

[chris]

Chris, loo rolls aren't long enough, you want kitchen towel innerds.

Otherwise the root comes out the bottom and bends (and it does it before the leaves get big, just to catch you out)

Thanks 2S - to update 3/4 in the loo rolls have germinated. Hadn't watered them in a week (as went away) came back and they're about 2 inches tall - in the heated prop, but just unplugged. I'll have to check the base of them tomorrow to see if they're bent! - can't be bothered now as just have had to repot ALL my blooming seedlings (see other thread about capiliary mats for more info).

I did them in loo rolls last year, and the root is just coming out the bottom by the time you can see the leaves. It made for interestingly shaped parsnips last year, so straight in the ground for me this year

Thanks - it probably already is too late for me now.

So yeah, so far, I've had germination in each method (not checked direct sowing though).

I'll put some more on some kitchen/toilet paper and set a daily reminder on my phone for me to check them as I know I'll forget again!

[Brengirl]

[ATTACH]13560[/ATTACH] As you can see germination is hit and miss. They have been in about 2 weeks. I realise now that they should have more room for roots. I bought some morrisons pots yesterday they are 10" deep. If I cut the bottoms off and stood them on the raised bed can I transplant my babies into them. If yes, how many to a pot?

I have bumped this cos I need to know.....

[taff]

Can't see why you couldn't, and since I had monster ones last year.
Whats the width of the pots?

[greengas]

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ips_11646.html

I found this old thread useful I have just put seeds on damp kitchen roll and put in airing cupboard!

[snohare]

I just had a thought. (Yes, that was the odd noise you heard !)
Putting them in the fridge helps germination. Heating the soil they go into helps germination.
Inspiration ! I think that parsnips are another of those green machines that have a little clock that is a mixture of two forms of protein; as temperature changes the protein folds from one shape to the other, so when the ratio of one to the other hits (for example) 3:1 then suddenly growth kickstarts. So what matters is the difference in temperatures, not neccesarily the actual temperature. If you see what I mean.
Oh, and as I think we all know now, having the seed continually moist.
Go on, tell me I'm wrong...

[chris]

Nature is amazing, eh? I'm still so shocked at how things grow so large from seeds.. crazy!

[Jeanied]

Snohare I think there must be some germination inhibitor on parsnips - the damp seeds in the airing cupboard really smell chemically when I open the plastic boxes.
Plus which the seeds are clearly from an umbellifer and are very delicate - hence short viability. So if I give these devils a shock, put them in the fridge, I may get a result?

[chris]

Okay, started the experiement again. As above, I've put 10 seeds into the fridge now, right next to the vent on the "cold" shelf so should really get the temp down. I'll sow them tomorrow.. not sure how yet, may do 1/2 in a heated prop after I've stripped down 5 kitchen rolls + 1/2 in a normal prop.

I'll then soak 10 on kitchen paper, 1/2 in dark, 1/2 in light and see again - but as above I suspect now after more reading it's temp related.

Quite excited to see how bent the tap root is tomorrow!

[Bigmallly]

Just to add a bit of interest, after reading a different thread a while ago, I am going to try growing say 5/6 in a used cereal box.

[chris]

That's an interesting idea.. We're nearing the bottom of one of the larger boxes.

Bah! I have a website to finish off before I can start my gardening stuff today... must....stop....reading..... forum !

[Nicos]

So if I give these devils a shock, put them in the fridge, I may get a result?

I always thought you were supposed to put them in the fridge for a few days anyway if you've stored them indoors ( rather than a shed)???

[snohare]

I'll bet they have a growth inhibitor in the seed coating (natural) and once that has dissolved/broken down with cold, they are more likely to germinate.
I seem to remember reading that they need 57 degrees to germinate - I wonder if that is strictly accurate.

[greengas]

The kitchen roll drys out very quick!!!!!

[chris]

Do you put cling film over it, greengas? I find that by doing so, i creates a cloched environment, slowing down the evapouration + keeping the seeds warm.

I didn't need to water mine from the first post...