I am deliberately growing my last years parsnips (well one or two) for seed. As the shop bought seed has had very poor germination and/or died in very early stages, I would really like this to give me some snips this year.
Is it likely that I will get any this year from this seed - will they be very small? Thanks
About 3 years ago I saved my own parsnip seed, they were fine and gave tones of seed although the parsnips did get bad canker, don't know if that had anythig to do with the saved seed or just a co-incidence.
If you are planning to collect the seed and sow this year I would think you would be lucky to get anything worthwhile as you will be very late.
Thanks Stevens. I was a bit confused as it always says to use this years seed but as the seed isn't quite ready yet.... I dont know if its late cos of the weather and/or if this will be ok to use next year
I did this last year for the first time, more for curiosity than because I hoped for a crop, but I ended up with quite respectable sized roots, so it's worth a try. And I've left 2 of those for next year's seed....
Self sown seed germinates very well. By the time they are ready I do not think you will get much to eat this year. I would dry them and use next year. I always leave a few plants to go to seed the bees and hoverflies like them.
If you are having germination problems try chitting them. Put the seeds on damp kitchen roll on a plate or saucer and put in a clear plastic bag and then put in a north facing window, east or west would also do but not south. After about a week start checking for any sign of roots, when the first one appears, rush down to your plot and sow them, not too deep.
I can recommend Fothergills for parsnips, I orders some seeds last year and got a free packet of snips and they have germinated brilliantly.
Keeping only two plants each year will give you a very small gene pool.