Allotments 4 All

Hi all,
           I am looking for an explanation as to why one of my parsnips sown this year (in April) has run to seed. I have never had this happen before, and understood that they will set seed in the second year if you leave them in the ground. Has any one got any ideas on why this has happened? The variety is white king from Kings seeds, it has been bred by them, they are very good parsnips & have grown into a good size with excellent taste, I just hope they don`t all follow suit!
                                       Adrian.

Have you been watering regularly?? It hasn`t rained properly here for ages .

I know they are deep rooting and just a sprinkle of water can do as much harm a good but it`s drought time in West Deeping!!

One of my allotment neighbours has this problem.  Do you think that watering in dry conditions may cuase it to happen we also are in a drought situation?

One of mine is also going to seed.
I have not watered them at all, the soil is heavy and with the big leaves the soil is still moist.
I'll have a closer look at it today, see if there are any clues to the problem, but it is only 1 so not worried about it.

Its stress. All plants will flower and set seed if the condition is (usually) drought.The poor plant thinks its going to die so makes a special effort to spread itself about by producing seed......hoping for better growing conditions next season.

I had a look at the one that is going to seed, and found 3 where there should only be 1, with the middle one going aaaaahhhhhhhh.....  let me out.

Be careful of the foliage on parsnips going to seed, it gives me a nasty rash.

Hi all,
         Thanks very much for your input, I must admit I rarely water them, so I guess that stress is the answer, as it has been very dry here on the Surrey/ Hampshire borders. Would it be a good idea to give them a real good soak at this stage?
                    Adrian.

I would