Parsnip Germination

[tonybloke]

These were sown on 19th april, pretty good germination, eh? ;)[attachment=1]

[tonybloke]

[caroline7758]

Brilliant- any particular technique?

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

I had wonderful germination with parsnips sown in March last year. Actually on two rows. The third row started to germinate in the first week of August - which came as a bit of a shock to the beetroot which were growing there by then  :D

[tonybloke]

after observing agricultural drilling machinery, I don't 'draw' a drill with a hoe, I press a broom handle into already firm soil (i don't dig my beds). this groove is then watered with a weak seaweed solution, seeds sown and covered over and fir ;)med in. Also planted on a 'good root plant day' (moon calender) Seems to work, my allotment neighbour planted some 2 weeks before me and his ain't showing yet.

[PurpleHeather]

The parsnip seed has a peculiar shape. Not as robust as a lot of seeds.

They need to get just the right amount of moisture to germinate.

Too wet, they rot. Or, they dry out after wetting and then die.

It is noticeable that there are always a lot in every packet too, so we have to sow more than we need.

Parsnips do not like to be transplanted so if you get too many  germinating they are wasted.

[powerspade]

I started my Parsnip off in toilet rolls The first time I`ve done it that way I have about 90% germination and I see today that the tap root is showing at the bottom, so Early tomorrow I`m tranplanting them out onto the plot. I got  150 little plant to see to.

[saddad]

We've gone down the toilet roll tube route too...
;D

[Suzanne]

I sowed mine on good friday, same time as the early carrots, beetroot and planted potatoes and Oca that day as well. I don't give them any extra care, just sow them on a root day. We had a real cold patch after that so I didn't think they would come through. I should have more faith - all stations have germinated, and so have the carrots. The radish that marked the rows are now being harvested.

[littlebabybird]

ok i give in when is the next root day

[Suzanne]

Today was a root day, will have to look in my book to see which is the next one, but there have been some good links on this site on lunar planting.

[tonybloke]

wed 14th, after 5 p/m. then all day thurs and fri. Germination seems to be better if sown in afternoon, for some strange reason?

[jaqz]

excellent  :)

ive tried the toilet roll method this year, still awaiting results.................. so maybe a few direct sowings would be a good comparison.

[ruud]

Also at the other side of the pond they do the toilet roll method,works very well for me.I am also growing salsify the same way.

[shirlton]

Have to sow mine again. Never had the problem last year. Good job they are cheap seed from Wilko

[mostlybegrowing]

I've been reading quite a few parsnip germination threads over the last few months and even though i'm a beginner i've had no problems with sowing them straight into my raised bed plot and row 1 sowed on 9th february are coming up lovely they have a few leaves now and row 2 sowed 29 March had the same good germination rate. On the other hand i am having terrible trouble with beetroot.

[caroline7758]

I've had some pre-chitting on damp kitchen roll for 3 days and nothing's happening. How long do they usually take?

[Rosyred]

Very poor this year no parsnips for me.

Tried sowing at the allotment and two lots as I did last year in a tub.

[loopyloulou]

shirl the chap who gave us the lettuce said hes got his parsnips growing ok, will be gleaning tips from him, he said he hadnt sown his carrots yet so i was still early, lol, but seems im late with the parsnips, will have to find out his secrets....dont think hed mind sharing as hes just happy the plotas are taken :) hes also promised me some seeds which he says he keeps each year from his own crops, maybe thats his secret i dont know?

[glosterwomble]

I've had some pre-chitting on damp kitchen roll for 3 days and nothing's happening. How long do they usually take?

http://fork-in-hell.blogspot.com/2008/04/spring-has-sprung.html

Caroline i did the pre-chitting way and it worked a treat (click above) , it took about 5 days - 1 week, they were in a tupperware tub on wet kitchen roll which I then put on top of a shelf above the radiator. I was weeding around them yesterday at the plot. I also sowed some into the ground without pre chitting them and they did grow but took much longer.

[posie]

I've also prechitted mine.  In a tupperware box, damp kitchen roll and in the airing cupboard, took about 4-5 days I think.