Parsnip choice?

Hi all,

I have grown parsnips in the past but generally end up with huge ones and often they have a fibrous core.
I'm looking for a variety that don't grow too big and are less firehouse, i have read up a bit and the one's that i have almost settled on are Tender and True and Gladiator.

Have any of you guys grown either of these or any others or have specific way or time to grow to get away from what i have had in the past (huge and fibrous)

Thanks in advance

Andy

Yep tender & true & gladiator here too although I had some 'The Student' as well last year & they've been ok, not got too big

Sow them later so they don't get as big.  You get the bonus of better germination as well.
I sowed some early June last year and they are the perfect size now.  The variety is Countess and they are very tasty.

ARpoet has posted a video about parsnips in containers in this section , I asked about variety.

ARpoet's reply
"The variety i grew was Kings Tape Seeds Palace F1. I have already got next seasons seeds. They are dearer than loose seeds but in my opinion well worth it."

I have grown Gladiator for years.I start them in tubes and they are about1/2 inches tall when I plant out around 7th May.Mine come huge and eat OK but I am trying no fertiliser at all this year andplanting 2 weeks later.By chance I was given some Guernsey seed last year,and they are smaller with the same care as others.To be clear,I am not growing Gladiator this time,only Guernsey.I hope this helps. John.

What varieties have you grown in the past and when are you harvesting them?  That can sometimes affect the woodiness of the core.

In all honesty i can't remember, i just remember them being about 4 to 5 inchs at the top and i had to cut the core out as the kids (and myself) wouldnt eat them.

I have used most of the above varieties over the years, and also bulk standard white gem. Never had a problem with woody cores unless I have snips left into the next Spring, when they are thinking of sprouting again. I'm an early sower and tend to harvest early, from October onwards., babies for stir fries in September

We tend to roast them rather than mash or soup them so i'm looking for some to grow to about 2 to 3 inchs across i might look at sowing some later so they don't have as much growing time, also i think Gladiator is getting the most votes so that'll be the one i wil go for.

Thanks

Andy