How do I germinate parsnips?
QMy packet of parsnip seeds stated they could be sown from February to April, so as my soil seemed OK I sowed some into a raised bed in midFebruary. As no parsnips appeared, what are the secrets of germinating them and am I too late to start again?
George Sanders, Leicester
AParsnips are tricky to germinate, but that makes it even more satisfying when they do, making a row of tall leaves like giant flat-leaved parsley. The biggest cause of failure is not timing, though that comes a close second, but old seed. As with carrots, it really is worth investing in a new packet every year. While a February sowing is optimistic, success depends on the state of the soil.
In order to take photographs of the process, I once sowed parsnips in January, during a rare period of dry though cold winter weather with a few frosts thrown in. To my great surprise, the parsnips germinated about a month later, proving they’re more likely to be killed by wet than cold. Choose canker-resistant parsnip varieties such as ‘Cobham Improved Marrow’, ‘Albion’ and ‘Gladiator’ to reduce the chance of rusty-brown patches on the roots
There’s no point saving seed, so the best bet is to make regular sowings from February to April when the soil is workable. Choose a sunny bed where soil is raised or mounded above the general lie of the land, enabling it to drain well. Parsnips prefer a light, sandy soil with no stones, but after years of adding well-rotted garden compost and removing flints from our clay we have several usable beds. Covering raised beds with polythene lids preferably ventilated at the sides further helps to dry the surface.
Raking into a smooth tilth is important, otherwise the fragile seeds resembling miniature flying saucers will fall down cracks and crevices or end up covered in massive lumps. If buried too deeply, they haven’t enough energy to push their shoot above soil level.
Poor drainage, drought and damage from carrot root-fly tunnels or hoeing encourage fungal canker, causing rustybrown patches on the roots. Improve cultivation, add lime to acidic soils and choose canker-resistant varieties. and wait for them to germinate.