Which parsnips would you recommend.

[Lisasbolt]

I have all Mr Fothergills, White gem, Gladiator F1 and tender and true. I have a few packets of each and they are all dated 2016 so most likely will not germinate but testing some on kitchen roll.

I have never really grown any before, i have a few in the plot now which seem to have been growing for ages! the tops look good but do not know whats going on underneath.

My main question is that i think i will struggle with the taste, don´t they need to be hit with some good frost to taste nice and sweet? which i don´t get.

Which one would you recommend out of the 3.

Do any of you grow them in containers?

Thank you in advance.

[bramble]

I personally wouldn't grow them in containers. They need a good deep root system.
I would grow the Gladiator variety, they have a very good flavour.
Lisa, don't know if you meant starting them in modules now or in the open soil but i always wait for early spring to sow mine.
By the way, why would you think they wont germinate when they are 2016,

[veggiechicken]

I'm pulling some of mine now - whenever I fancy some. If I waited for frost, I'd wait for ever. We had very little last year

[Lumpy]

For the last few years I have grown Countess as they seem to be shorter rooted than many of the others. We put them in a large round grow bag thats about 24in across and 18in deep and they grow OK. I get 12 plants in all and start pulling every other one when they are quite small until I have 8 left which I them leave to get bigger.

They taste good too but that's a personal opion.

[BUFFS]

we grew gladiator in the spring of 2014 and they grew 3ft down to the undersoil and the taproot then did a 90deg turn and went on for another 15-18ins and their taste was lovely, so many germinated that I never sowed any this year as we are only now finishing what was in the big freezer, so I will have to buy some to go with the sunday roast in the new year, what good is a roast without some parsnips, in gravy, alongside some of my roast "blue salad" tatties..?

[Scarlet]

I wouldn't open the packs up. They will stay fresher in them and a 2016 pack should germinate fine. I've eaten them without frost and they still taste good. Wait until spring, remember they need to be kept well watered to germinate. They can't be transplanted, I wouldt try growing them in pots either.

[Thelma Sanders]

Another vote for Gladiator - if you like big 'snips

[Thelma Sanders]

For some reason I can't edit my previous post - so another thought....

will you be planting them now, to grow through winter and pick in the Spring, because of your climate?
I've grown swede that way, when I grew in a hotter climate than the uk

[Lisasbolt]

I was going to try and chit some and then if they worked plant them out, just see how they go, as i really do struggle with watering (been over a month since a drop of rain! and i mean only a drop)
Then i was going to plant more out at spring time.
I thought i was told that you should buy fresh every year and even though these say 2016 they have been in the draw over 2 years now.
Thanks for the replies

[Bigmallly]

Give it a go Lisa, you never know, you may have a good crop. I've made my own tape with White Gem and have had some lovely Parsnips, plus I don't bother waiting for frost, just pick when you fancy one.

[Lisasbolt]

Give it a go Lisa, you never know, you may have a good crop. I've made my own tape with White Gem and have had some lovely Parsnips, plus I don't bother waiting for frost, just pick when you fancy one.

I am trying my own tape this year, i have got a row of spring onions in now that i chitted (2014 seeds) and used a mix of flour and water stuck to toilet paper. This is the first time i have done so, only put them out yesterday so don't´t know the results.
What do you use for your tape? have i made a mistake by putting chitted seeds in there with that flour mix? i was worried that it would set the tape root in the flour. I thought with old seed nothing lost nothing gained but still worried I really want to try tape for my carrots and then use some wood on top (like i said i really struggle to keep the ground moist, it is classed as some type of dessert here)

[Bigmallly]

I've used newspaper strips folded in half & set the seed in a flour/water mix. I've also used 1" masking tape folded lengthways to make it a half inch wide. Both have been successful although the masking tape does leave the glue residue behind. The glue does not break down but is easy to remove from the soil. Not sure about using wood but I agree, your climate does demand some kind of mulch..........Here's a little info which may help you decide what to use:

Understanding the Benefits of Garden Mulch - For Dummies

[Lisasbolt]

For dummies! what are you trying to say


P.s thanks

[Lisasbolt]

Do you know if chitted seeds are ok in tape. Thinking i have set my tape roots in the flour and they won't grow out.

[Thelma Sanders]

as long as you keep the tape damp - they should grow through it.

Fingers crossed!