[Goosegirl]

I can grow parsnips ok but I have trouble with them having a big core. Anyone know why???

[HilaryG]

Last parsnip I dug up my husband said COR!!
Seriously though I assumed they always grew like that, don't they?

[JayG]

Obviously the bigger the parsnip, the bigger the core; if you think yours are more woody and inedible than they should be then all I can suggest is possibly a lack of water when they were developing? Like all veg they need to be grown without any checks for the best results.

[gillie]

What variety are they?

Gillie

[azubah]

Obviously the bigger the parsnip, the bigger the core; if you think yours are more woody and inedible than they should be then all I can suggest is possibly a lack of water when they were developing? Like all veg they need to be grown without any checks for the best results.

Our parsnips have unusually hard cores this year. It has been wetter than usual, so it might be due to too much rain. We grew the same varieties as usual but I can't remember the names for sure... Hollow crown was one I think. Also, more have gone to seed this year than in previous years.

[philsmith1967]

When did you sow? Later sowings, say late May, may help.

[azubah]

We sowed ours in February in toilet roll insides. I think this is responsible for some going to seed, but we do that every year.

[Jay The Digger]

Parsnips go to seed in their second year I think....

[azubah]

Parsnips go to seed in their second year I think....

Sorry for hijacking your thread Goosegirl.

Parsnips do indeed go to seed in the second year, Jay, but if you give them an early start they will do it in the first year.
I still don't know why my parsnips have large hard cores this year, but if I boil them and then roast them in oil they go very tender and sweet. I prefer them over-cooked rather than under-cooked.