Impatient for parsnips

[oconnosm]

Hi all! I'm currently attempting this famous kitchen-roll method of germinating parsnips as I've had bad luck with these blighters in the past. Set them off about a week and a half or so ago but no sign o' nathin' yet. How long should I give them before I throw them in a fit of peak onto the compost heap - does anyone know?

Also, does this method work for carrots too?

Thanks for any advice...

[pigletwillie]

Patience is a virtue Oconnosm especially with parsnips, they can still take 3-4weeks even with fresh seed. If the seed is old I would start again with fresh.

Carrots are the only veg that I start directly in the ground as you end up with marigold carrots otherwise (lots of fingers).

[Flummery]

Mine took between 2 and 3 weeks. They came a few at a time so I popped them in their roll middles 'on flow' as they say. I got all but 3 out of 25 seeds to germinate. As I personally detest parsnips but OH and my Mum love them, this has been a labour of love! They are growing well now in their roll middles and I shall be popping them in the garden this weekend. So I'd say give them a bit longer. My wet kitchen roll was kept inside a poly bag to ensure it never dried out. I suspect this is important! Thanks for this tip.

[Matt.]

As Piglet said mine took at least 3 weeks to show any signs of life. Mine are planted in paper tubes and they are very slow growing - especially compared to the carrots that came up withing a week! I've never used the kitchen roll method but I've had good sucess sowing direct into compost. I've got several seedlings in all pots after sowing about 5 seeds in each.

[newgardengirl]

Mine took about three weeks to appear.

[oconnosm]

Thanks everyone - I'll be a bit more patient so! Does it matter if they're in the light or should they be in a dark place? I had them on a window-sill and then put them in a wardrobe (my husband's - heh heh!) as I worried that maybe they'd prefer darkness. Was my worrying in vain (as it so often is according to self same husband)?

[pigletwillie]

Mine were just on the kitchen worktop.

[Flummery]

Kitchen windowsill here. As soon as a little sprout formed though, they went into compost.

[LostthePlot]

I think the wet paper method still has a 3 - 4 week germination period - the parsnips seem to have a mind of their own! I have done this with success and now have a row of 'snips on my plot with the 1st/2nd true leaves appearing!

[TEB]

Mine sown direct on the 8th April has just germinated today - this is the first time in 3 years of trying