Parsnip Seed Blend

These two favourite varieties of parsnip will give you the best of both worlds - short and stubby roots from 'White Gem' and long tapering roots from 'Tender and True'. Both grow alongside each other very happily.

Both are smooth-skinned, a strong resistance to canker and a truly sublime sweet flavour. We really cannot rate these varieties highly enough - and all from one packet of seed!

• Sow March to mid May (we have sown as late as May 26 and had good results).
• Sow three seeds every 6" (15 cm) in ¾" (2 cm) deep drills 18" (45 cm) apart.
• When large enough to handle thin to one plant per station.

• Top Tips
• Do not be tempted to start these early in plugs or in toilet role cores; transplanted parsnips always result in fangy roots!
• Similarly avoid sowing into freshly manured ground as this to will cause fangy roots.
• Keep parsnips watered during dry spell to avoid cracking or hard cores.
• Whilst you can start harvesting in late summer, for the truly best flavour do not start lifting and using until after the first frost - patience really is a virtue when it comes to the flavour of parsnips. Frost in the ground converts the starch in the roots to sugar giving them extra sweetness.