Parsnip - Gladiator F1, 300 Seeds

Gladiator F1 Parsnip Seed produces a reliable crop of large, smooth, wedge-shaped roots with excellent flavour. Known for its high yields and low maintenance requirement, it is a favourite with many UK gardeners. The sweet, white roots have smooth skin that is easy to clean and prepare in the kitchen. Gladiator F1 is also resistant to canker, helping to produce clean, healthy parsnips even in less-than-perfect conditions.

Packet Contents

A packet contains a miniumum of 300 Gladiator parsnip seeds, enough to grow many rows in the vegetable garden over successional sowings.

Growing Instructions

• Parsnips thrive best in light, sandy soil, although they will also grow well in deep, well-worked heavier soils.

• The soil should be fertile but not freshly manured, as fresh manure can cause the roots to fork.

• Remove stones from the bed, as these can result in misshapen roots.

• In well-drained soils, sow parsnip seeds from late February. In colder or wetter soils it is better to sow towards the end of March.

• For best results, sow no later than the end of April.

• Sow the seeds approximately 1.5 cm deep.

• Aim to space plants 15 cm apart within rows, with 35 cm between rows.

• To avoid thinning large numbers of seedlings, sow three seeds together every 15 cm and remove the two weakest once they have established.

• Germination can be slow (sometimes up to one month), so patience is required.

• Keep the soil moist between sowing and germination, but avoid waterlogging.

• Once seedlings have established, water moderately and keep the bed weed free, taking care not to disturb the roots.

• Parsnips require very little maintenance once growing strongly.

Harvest

Gladiator parsnips can be harvested from October through to February as required. The roots store well if left in the ground over winter, and their flavour often improves after exposure to frost.