As a first time parsnip grower I was pleased to get some decent looking
plants but reserved most for "after a frost". When I dig up the roots
now I find that they have deep splits from to to bottom and large brown
marks under the skin. Can anyone more experienced suggest what I have
done wrong ?

Thanks

Paul

--
CTC Right to Ride Rep. for Richmond upon Thames

"Paul Luton" wrote ...
As a first time parsnip grower I was pleased to get some decent looking
plants but reserved most for "after a frost". When I dig up the roots now
I find that they have deep splits from to to bottom and large brown marks
under the skin. Can anyone more experienced suggest what I have done wrong
?

Large brown marks on the skin is Canker but under the skin I can only think
of Carrot Root Fly damage (yes they attach parsnips too). Usually you get
root fly damage which lets in the canker fungus. For both of these there are
no preventatives/treatments available. That said you can grow parsnips under
enviromesh, just like carrots, to stop the fly getting to the roots but
personally it has never worked for me, wind, vandals, foxes have all
conspired to tear it to shreds.
Splitting I always understood to be due to uneven watering.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
W.of London. UK

The message
from Paul Luton contains these words:

As a first time parsnip grower I was pleased to get some decent looking
plants but reserved most for "after a frost". When I dig up the roots
now I find that they have deep splits from to to bottom and large brown
marks under the skin. Can anyone more experienced suggest what I have
done wrong ?
Thanks
Paul
--
CTC Right to Ride Rep. for Richmond upon Thames

Sounds like you have a few of problems. My parsnips always suffer from
some splitting, some rootfly and some canker - largely because I plant
them and let them get on with it.

You can mitigate your problems by using a canker resistant variety like
Gladiator F1 (widely available) and sow later in the season, during May.
Sowing later is said to reduce risk of canker. If you keep your
parsnips covered with fleece until late August you will also reduce risk
of root fly damage. Splitting is a water based problem and can be
avoided by regular, even watering. Don't let them dry out at any time.

If all this fails then simply do as I do and cut off the bad bits and
eat the good bits.

--
Compo