Parsnips Problem

[derekpara]

I sowed some fresh parsnip seeds in a greenhouse in 4" pots two weeks ago and used a good quality seed compost. I've lightly watered the pots almost every day but there are no signs of growth. What's the problem ?

I live in the London area.

[tonyav]

Be Patient
Parsnips seeds can sometimes take ages to germinate, especially if the weather is slow to warm up. Don’t worry if seedlings haven’t appeared after a few weeks. I’ve had parsnips take nearly 5 weeks to germinate before.

http://www.realmensow.co.uk/?p=3649

[retrocop]

Just buy a bunch of bananas. Ironic isn't it. During the second W.W. parsnips were used as a substitute banana flavouring in some recipes. Bananas are plentiful nowdays and cheap. :-)

[murraymints]

[tamborine]

@ 14p kg fill the freezer & put ur feet up

http://m.tesco.com/h5/groceries/r/www.tesco.com/groceries/product/details/?id=253557408

[jourdain2]

They are surprisingly slow to germinate, I've found.

[Maydup]

Try some more now and pop them straight into the ground. I have found they dislike being transplanted but should the ones in the pots appear, you can still try planting them out too, between them you should have some success.

[alavahalf]

As Maydup says ... they dont like being transplanted. Ideally you should sow them where they are going to grow. Like carrots they have a long hair like tap root. If this root gets damaged they wont grow .. or they may be stunted. They dont like stoney ground either.
If you want almost guaranteed results ... grow them in deep containers in compost.

[alavahalf]

derek forgot to say ... some of mine went in 4 weeks ago in specially prepared ground. There is no sign of them yet. They do take their time to germinate. I'm 50 miles south of you.

[derekpara]

Thanks to you all for your good advice and encouragement.

I've given MM best answer because that's my style of music - well the era is.

Cheers.

D