PARSNIP GLADIATOR F1

AGM. British bred. Canker resistant, early to crop and deliciously flavoured smooth white roots with hybrid vigour.

Parsnips are slow growing, low-maintenance root vegetables. The roots are ready to lift once the leaves start to die down in autumn but they can be left in the ground until you are ready to use them. Their flavour is sweetened and intensified by cold weather so are often better harvested after the first frosts.

Always use fresh Parsnip seed, it does not retain its germination level for long and old seed often fails. Sow Parsnip seeds from March to mid May directly into shallow drills.

Thin the emerging seedlings to 2 inches apart initially and then once the roots begin to mature, thin again to 4 inches making use of the mini roots.

Growing in stony or recently manured soil will result in misshapen roots. A rich soil, slightly on the heavy side, will produce strong, well-shaped parsnips.