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I started parsnips (probably too early) in newspaper rolls and transplanted to the lottie yesterday. Unfortunately the tap roots had grown into the paper and broke off in several cases. Am I wasting time - should I leave them and see or replace with new /  direct sown?

I would have thought that would maybe leave them vulnerable to attack from pests/diseases - think I'd leave them and see what happens to them in case they're alright, and definitely direct sow some more.  The best crop I ever had was from some direct sown at this very time of year.  Best of luck!

Parsnips wont grow true without a tap root i would replace them and sow direct keep them moist for good germination

Not all the root came off - just the ends - would this make any difference?

Quote from: bruno on May 16, 2010, 14:34:39
Not all the root came off - just the ends - would this make any difference?

Yes if you snap the root (tap root) the parsnip no longer grows true but forks into numerous fingers

Oh b****r !!

You have to be ridiculously quick with parsnips. They keep you on your toes as when you sow them, they take ages to germinate, but within a day of that little hook-like seedling appearing above the surface of the soil, the tap root has run down to the bottom of the toilet roll module, and is peeking out! I still prefer sowing them in toilet roll rubes as I can get them started in early March for a nice long growing season.

I'd just like to plug Kings Seeds here:  I don't have a problem getting parsnip (white gem) to germinate.  I just direct sow and thin.  A plot-buddie used to transplant them but I don't think it's at all easy.

Transplanting is to much messing about personally i think some make a rod for their own backs, i am not a lazy gardener but i do like to make things easy for myself.
The hardest part of growing most things is germination and to get germination you need moisture which means you have to water nearly every day which is time consuming and a pain in the but.
Here is what i do,
Make my drill water it a layer of compost, water it put the parsnip seed in then cover with a fine layer of compost and again water the drill. I then cover with a length of wood so it keeps the ground moist and go back in about 20 days.

note the date the left row is parsnips

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Expect a result that looks like an alien species.

After a thorough washing, the parsnip (although it will not resemble the carrot shaped parsnip usually found) can be peeled and chopped.

It will cook up like a normal parsnip and taste ok.