[greenhead]

I have grown some Parsnip seedlings indoors, these have now germinated to the nursery leaf stage.  What should I do next? - move to the cold frame to grow on (seedlings are in root trainer modules) or plant out into the allotment bed?  Reason for this action is the very poor germination rate when seeds are sown directly into the allotment bed.

[Kleftiwallah]

I should carefully transplant into the deepest pots you have and let them 'put on a bit of growth' before going out.

Cheers,    Tony.

[Yorkie]

If you can't get really deep pots, then I'd put them straight out.

[Mrs Bee]

I put mine in a few weeks ago in raised beds and they are doing fine, touch wood.

[Goldfinger]

6, or is it 7 WEEKS! And still nowt showing for me! 

Where's there a 'frustrated' emoicon when you need one to replace the raspberry one?...

[mumofstig]

They need planting out as soon as the weather allows.
By the time the third leaf opens the roots will be at the bottom of the root trainers and may fork if you leave them any longer

[Totty]

I agree, put them out into the coldframe straight away, leave them until the end of the week and plant them out. If left any longer they will be useless! Parsnip seedlings are very tough regardless of size and we are not forecast any really cold weather, just make sure they are planted somewhere which drains well as they wont like being sat in waterlogged ground when very small especially with all the rain.

Totty

[Aidy]

Next year try chitting the seed first, put them into a container between two damp pieces of kitchen paper, leave some where warm for 5 days and then check daily for the little chit, once chitted sow in the bed as normal, after a few days 7-14 they will germinate as normal. This method has a very high success rate.

[fatbelly]

I direct sowed my Parsnips today, a variety called Countess F1.The packet says sow April or May. Last year I sowed my Snips this same week and I got a great crop.

[Mrs Bee]

Next year try chitting the seed first, put them into a container between two damp pieces of kitchen paper, leave some where warm for 5 days and then check daily for the little chit, once chitted sow in the bed as normal, after a few days 7-14 they will germinate as normal. This method has a very high success rate.

What a good idea. I didn't think of doing this.

I am doing snips for the first time this year and I did the damp pieces of paper and then transplanted the seeds into compost filled loo rolls.

i also did some by just planting the seeds into loo rolls and then planted seed straight into the ground.

Your way sounds a lot less faffing about than mine. Will remember that for next year.

[Plot74]

I planted some seeds straight into the raised bed along with some turnips .
The turnips are showing well but can't make out if the parsnips have started or just weeds coming up will have to let them grow a little to see if I can make out which is which.
John

[Mrs Bee]

I planted some seeds straight into the raised bed along with some turnips .
The turnips are showing well but can't make out if the parsnips have started or just weeds coming up will have to let them grow a little to see if I can make out which is which.
John

I am the same with the seeds I planted straight into the bed. I keep looking and willing them to hurry up and grow but they are ignoring me.  Not the most patient of women 

[bazh]

I have grown some Parsnip seedlings indoors, these have now germinated to the nursery leaf stage.  What should I do next? - move to the cold frame to grow on (seedlings are in root trainer modules) or plant out into the allotment bed?  Reason for this action is the very poor germination rate when seeds are sown directly into the allotment bed.

Personally I would gather them up and put them in the bin then sow seeds outdoors, 

[sunshineband]

I have grown some Parsnip seedlings indoors, these have now germinated to the nursery leaf stage.  What should I do next? - move to the cold frame to grow on (seedlings are in root trainer modules) or plant out into the allotment bed?  Reason for this action is the very poor germination rate when seeds are sown directly into the allotment bed.

Personally I would gather them up and put them in the bin then sow seeds outdoors, 

Go back to Mumofstigs post --- by the time there are leaves the root is at the bottom of the root trainer and therefore likely to fork/fang and be distorted

Fine if you are growing them for soup, but if not ........