[starry]

but they are taking ages to grow under the ground am I expecting to much to soon I was a bit late getting them in   

[mumofstig]

If they were late going in .....then they will be late making roots. Obvious really 

[Yorkie]

And they always put leaf on before they start bulking out beneath the ground anyway 

[Growster...]

When did you plant them Starry?

[starry]

thats a tricky question growster! I thought I had written that down but I didnt  I think I am expecting them to big now and actually I dont think they will be ready until september time thats about all I can remember from when I sowed them  note to self be more organised !!

[Growster...]

Starry, if say - you planted them after Easter, they probably have a long way top go yet!

The top growth is a sign that you've got good hearted soil though, so it may be October-November before they get any real size underground!

They can take up to a year from sowing to eating!

[starry]

oh blimey I had better be patient then I have had a little look and some of the tops are about 2cm wide 

[Nobbie]

They'll keep growing has long as there's sunshine and a bit of warmth, probably upto October, so plenty of time yet. Plenty of leaves is a good sign

[rhysdad]

I'm just about to eat my second of the season, smothered in wholegrain mustard and honey! It was a good 8" long by 3" across the top! Lovely!!

[Debz]

Starry, mine are like yours with a lot of green leaves on top.  I haven't been brave enough to look under the soil yet and just assumed I was supposed to leave well alone until we got a frost on them.

[Goosegirl]

I wouldn't worry - they are so much better when they have a frost on them. I planted mine late April/early May so they got a good start and are leafing up nicely. I grow them to use over winter but others may use them before.

[Babstreefern]

I've got parsnip in the ground as well (obviously ), and they have loads of green, about 12" in height, but I don't bother with them until winter and they've had the frost at them.  My first picking of them is usually a day or two before Christmas Day - and they are perfect

[sunshineband]

I try to resist peering at the crowns to see how wide they are.

It is always  a magic moment when the first one comes up at Christmas, all smelling fresh and looking gorgeous 

Nothing like it 


(and at the moment they have lots of luch looking leaves  )

[starry]

thanks for all the advice this is my first sucess with parsnips (no little bugs munching them) so will not look now until octoberish (well might have a peep)