Self sown parsnip seedlings

[BarleySugar]

I was out in the garden after work yesterday and noticed a number of strange looking seedlings, not my normal weeds at all. Then I realised I was looking at some very healthy parsnip seedlings, self sown from my plant I had allowed to seed earlier in the year.
What chance do you give them? It's still fairly mild here, but I suppose I'll lose them through the winter. If they did make it, would they run straight to seed? Anyone know or shal I just wait and see? They aren't in the way, so I don't need to root them out.
I also have self sown white beet seeds. At least I know both seeds are viable, so I should be able to plant and swap without any doubts for next year.

[SarzWix]

I'd pop a cloche over them and give them a chance. They'll survive being frozen, I think, and with a cloche they'll hopefully keep growing enough to give you useable sized ones before the end of winter.

[vegnut]

What have you got to loose. I say go for it, and enjoy the bounty.

[Hans Mum]

a chap on our site never sows parsnips he just lets a few self seed and off they go

[snohare]

They've got as good a chance as they would have in the wild, and the species has been around a while now, hasn't it ! Mark you, if the parent was an F1 then there is no telling what size of root or characteristics you will get in any of the offspring - it will be a real lucky dip digging them up...
They must be winter hardy, I have seen parsnips in raised beds survive a foot of snow in a walled garden where the temperature dropped to minus ten. I'm relying on that to give me parsnips next spring... I think the only problem is that they sometimes become rather woody in the middle of the root if you leave them in too long.

[Two_Sheds]

a chap on our site never sows parsnips he just lets a few self seed and off they go

My neighbour had millions of seedlings this year, but because she never thinned them out, they were useless

[BarleySugar]

I just thought I'd resurrect this thread as I pulled some of these parsnips to go with dinner yesterday. It seemed strange for the time of year, but roasted with dinner they were delicious, very sweet. I didn't wait for them to get huge, as I really could do with the space they are taking up anyway. I found it amazing they made it through the winter we had, and then went on to grow rather than bolt.

[maytreefrannie]

Good for you, Barley Sugar - enjoy the rest of them.

[chris]

Heh I was going to say, argh! I just sowed some more (well a week or so ago - they're showing already mind!) but then noticed the date.. Sweet ! How large did they grow?

I'm tempted to pull one of mine now, it's probably about 5cm across in diameter (the neck of it) I think - will have a poke arond tomorrow when it's lighter - itchy fingers.