[jambop]

That time of year again when thought turn to what will be grown. I had some amazing parsnips last year and want to grow them again. I still have a lot of the seed that I bought last year and it does said it is good until 2022 but I have read that parsnip seeds do not stay viable for long. So the question is , is it worth even trying the seeds I have? I was thinking a dense sowing just in case they have only a 25% germination rate. I suppose I could test them by sowing some indoors now I won't be sowing these until probably the end of March.

[rowlandwells]

I've still got my last years parsnip seed and I'm going to give them a go I also bought a new packet of parsnip seed just in case they don't geminate well its a no brainer parsnip seed is quite cheep but if they come they come if not I've got a back up 

I also found putting hot water on the seed when sowing did seem to help germination?

[Aidy]

I did an experiment a good few years back purely on germination rate, first year 99%, 2nd year 65% and third year around 17%

I always sow new seed.

[jambop]

I did an experiment a good few years back purely on germination rate, first year 99%, 2nd year 65% and third year around 17%

I always sow new seed.

65% for the second year? I like those odds  I have a go with the seeds from last year a dense sowing should give more than enough roots per row .

[Wellington]

I have germinated on wet kitchen paper and then put the ones that germinated into root trainers before. Might be worth trying if you’re not sure how many will come up.

[DD.]

Buy a packet of new seed. It doesn't cost the earth. Yes sow in a cluster - every 8" or so. Job done, no need to worry. No need to faff about so much

[jambop]

Buy a packet of new seed. It doesn't cost the earth. Yes sow in a cluster - every 8" or so. Job done, no need to worry. No need to faff about so much

Does not cost the earth you say! I will have you know I had to pay €3.50 for a packet and only sowed about fifty seeds from it!  No I am inclined to go with sowing a full row and then thinning to  15 cm when they eventually come through.