[GrannieAnnie]

I  know I bought my parsnip seeds last year, but it says on the little bag that they were packed in May 2014, and to sow by December 2015.  I bught them late as you can see!

I know parsnips are only viable for 1 year, but even when I've bought them earlier, I usually get a reasonable germination, but I've just been down there carefully hand weeding at great expense to my back and legs, and not one parsnip!  Could be the ground, but its in the polytunnel frame (no polythene on it!) and it was manured with turkey poo 2 years ago, but the poo was a year old, so that should have been okay shouldn't it? 

Mind you, I sowed carrots before I went to Kent last month, and they are only just breaking the surface, and even 5 year old beetroot seeds have a 50% germination rate!

Brian said get some more parsnip seed, but I'm not going to get much out of them this late am I?

[ghost61]

I think you will.  I rarely set seed until May as I find they don't germinate earlier ( I sow parsnips in situ as they grow into rude shapes if transplanted ).  Mind you I'm not growing them this year as I have a freezer full from last year.  So this year beetroot is making a comeback (for the same reason....).

[GrannieAnnie]

Thanks Ghost, maybe I'll try a packet then.  I don't have any left in the freezers, and will miss my spicy parsnip soup this winter if I don't get any!!!!   

I always sow parsnips, beetroot and carrot insitu too for the reason you mentioned.

[sunshineband]

It is not too late GrannieAnnie and if you keep them  moist they should come up fairly quickly in the warmer soil. Mine were very erratic and I am going to sow to fill in gaps this week.

[JayG]

I only sowed mine today, although that is about a week later than usual (they're not the ideal type of seed to be sowing when there's half a gale blowing!)

I used to sow them in March and waited nervously and seeminly forever for germination, always wondering whether 'now' was the time to start again.

The fact that they take an average of 57 days to germinate at a soil temperature of 5C, but only 19 days at a soil temperature of 15C probably has a lot to do with it. 

[Headgardener22]

Its not too late to sow them.

You could chit them, but you have to make sure they get in the ground quickly after they show a little root.

As regards germination rates, I sowed 3 year old seed last year and got reasonable germination, about 40%.

[Dave NE]

So far this year I have had 3 sowings and nothing to show so far, yesterday I started chitting parsnip and kohl rabi on the window sill, fingers crossed, Dave

[Yana]

I buy fresh seed every year and the germination rate is always unpredictable. I've got gaps so will sow again as seems like it isn't too late.

[TheWhiteRabbit]

Definitely not too late...I usually get mine in beginning of May but have done it later and still get a reasonable crop. I sowed Gladiator and Tender & True late last year and got a crop off both but the Gladiator were definitely bulkier.

I sowed mine just over 2 weeks ago and they're all starting to germinate now.

[Yana]

Definitely not too late...I usually get mine in beginning of May but have done it later and still get a reasonable crop. I sowed Gladiator and Tender & True late last year and got a crop off both but the Gladiator were definitely bulkier.

I sowed mine just over 2 weeks ago and they're all starting to germinate now.

On the 'to do' list for Friday 

[sarajane]

I did mine in Ritchies pots. 100% germination within 2 weeks. Mind you, as soon as you see a hint of greenery at the top, you must plant out as there will be at least 1 inch of root below.
I,'ve done this for the last 2 years as I became fed up with them just not germinating in the soil

[Beetroot Queen]

I am growing mine in black bins this years and the first few are just poking their heads up. Have another go.

[GrannieAnnie]

Awww, thanks everyone.  I'll have a go! 

[snowdrops]

I've got some ill send you Grannie, opened this year,been in the fridge since I bought them. I'd bought a huge packet from Moles seeds at a show, I could have done my whole plot with them pm me your address if you want some.

[surbie100]

I need to have another go too GA, mine were sown 3 weeks ago. The radishes alongside are up and happy, but not a peep from the parsnips.