Parsnips

Rosy · « **on:** September 21, 2008, 08:30 »

Can anyone tell me why, when I used to buy parsnips in the supermarket they were all the same long shape with no long bits hanging off of them but when I grow them they tend to be smaller, rounder and have hanging bits. What do they do that I don't.

Also you can see some of my parsnips above ground as they seem to have grown through the soil (or maybe I have washed the topsoil off when I watered) is that right or should they be completely covered all the time

shaun · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2008, 08:49 »

I think its down to the prep of the soil,comercial growers will rotavate the soil realy deep then the soil is ridged up and the seed is sown on the ridge 4" apart ,plus the soil is very fine and stone free and no muck,they just use fertiliser plus they spray to stop carrot fly and canker.they do grow bent twisted and forked parsnips too but the supermarkets dont like them cus they dont look pretty

Noah'strolly · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2008, 20:16 »

They're probably smaller because they're still got a few months growing time left. The old boys say they taste better after they're had a frost on them! The ones I dug up last January went so deep it took ages to excavate each one!

Rosy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2008, 08:29 »

will look forward to some at Christmas then, and hire a digger

Motivator · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2008, 10:44 »

Get some straw on them top stop them freezing in the ground .

kentishlad · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2008, 13:21 »

Hi Rosy,
What variety are they?, this will have an impact on size too.
I'm growing hollow crown and they are monsters! Some are so big I can't help but laugh as I pull them up! I made some lovely parsnip wine with some of last years too.
Mine do get the bits sticking out the sides too, i guess it's as Shaun says, also may be a particular hybrid used?

ATB

Wayne.

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