Germinating parsnip seeds

[Likac66]

Hi

I'm currently trying to germinate some parsnip seeds before planting them to save sowing any that are not viable. I currently have them on damp kitchen towel on the kitchen windowsill. However, I wondered if they should be somewhere DARK and warm rather than light? I could always put them in the airing cupboard?

[Two_Sheds]

In the light is fine, but put some cling film over them

[BarleySugar]

I planted some fresh seed directly in the ground 3 weeks ago and they were showing through today. Encouraged by this I put in some more this morning. I am in the south though.

[mothhawk]

I've sprouted seeds from last year's packet between sheets of damp kitchen roll, in a tupperware box to be sure they didn't dry out. They've sprouted in dribs and drabs though. After waiting a fortnight, the first sprouted a week ago, and I've potted them up but the last few are just beginning to sprout now.

[rita1]

never done it that way before, i didn't think you could move them around once they have started to grow, i thought they were like carrots, once you put them in the ground you can't replant else where.
so if i put some on a kitchen paper and they start to sprout they can then be put out in the ground and grow, and they will be ok.

[redser]

Mine took about a week to ten days with fesh seed, tender and true. I popped them into loo rolls on Wednesday and they are all through now. I had them on a window sill facing north. They were on a saucer of damp tissue covered with cling film and I didn't want them overheating in a sunny window.

[Linnea]

I've germinated my parsnip on damp tissue paper for the last two years. it works fab as I only plant out what is a viable seed. it's a little fiddly to plant out but a pair of tweezers helps

[gardenpassion]

What a helpful thread. i have been wondering about pre germinating parsnip seeds for a few weeks but wasnt sure how to do it! Now I feel informed .

[vikkib]

I've been trying to germinate some parsnip seeds too but mine is a catalogue of errors!

First lot dried out, second lot got knocked off the sill and scattered around the room, third lot actually started germinating and then dried out amazingly quickly! I'd put them in a sealed plastic bag and they'd been fine with me just tapping the bag so the condensation watered them every day and then one day when I went to do it most were frazzled.

I've still got about 5 germinating in there and I've moved them further from the window but at this rate I'm going to need to order some more seeds!

[redser]

I think if you try it my way vikki (under cling film on a north facing window sill) they won't dry out or fry.

[Likac66]

YAy! Some have definitely germinated and have little shoots. Should I plant them asap or leave them a day or two to establish the root a little bit?

[redser]

Best to get them planted as soon as the root shows. If they get too long they can begin to twist and or break when you plant them.

[rita1]

this is so interesting, i have some seeds on a paper towel which i have kept wet they are in a tupperware and i have the lid on, will this be ok or should i put some holes in the tupperware.

[Likac66]

Best to get them planted as soon as the root shows. If they get too long they can begin to twist and or break when you plant them.

Ok - will pop out and plant them in my newspaper pots in the greenhouse now. Thanks!

[redser]

Just make sure to get them in the ground before the root hits the bottom of the paper pot. You should have a fair bit of time.
I'd say that would work fine Rita, just keep it out of strong sun light so it doesn't get too hot.