[JayG]

Parsnips are pretty reluctant germinators at the best of times, especially if the soil is cold, which can cause a very high failure rate. For that reason I don't sow mine outside until the middle of May, which still leaves plenty of time for them to reach a good size.

You could try chitting them on damp kitchen paper in a sandwich box or similar, and plant out directly when they start to sprout - do that as soon as you first see the roots or you will still have an increased risk of forking.

[daveylamp]

jiffy pellets
gave them a try last year on fuschia and dahlias, they worked well and all cuttings rooted, however this year the fuschia cuttings in the pellets were restricted and not as good as free rooted cuttings most of the dahlia cuttings are not making any tubers or throwing the sprouts that will be this years cuttings. probably ok for plants that are anual but for me and for plants for next years cuttings ... an interesting experiment but will not use them again
dave