Parsnip F1 Gladiator 

Parsnip 'F1 Gladiator' is the original 'designer' parsnip. Bred to be fast maturing and high yielding, they are also resistant to canker. It looks good too; the roots have a shallow crown with smooth, tactile, white skin. Perhaps most importantly, it tastes great with a slightly sweet and fresh parsnip-nutty flavour. 

 

Grow your own 

 

Difficulty – Easy 

 

Sow - March-May 

 

Harvest – September-February 

 

Seed Packet - Aprox 100 Seeds 

 

Sow thinly or sow three seeds at 15cm (6in) intervals, 13mm (0.5in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. 

 

Although it is sometimes recommended to start sowing in February, this can lead to failure. Sowings made in March and April, and even early May, will often do much better. Warm the soil before sowing with cloches or similar; leave these in place until the seedlings have developed two true leaves. 

 

Enjoy an open, sunny site and are easiest on a deep, light soil. When the seedlings are about 2.5cm (1in) high thin out leaving one seedling 15cm (6in) apart. 

 

Keep the soil weed free, hand weeding close to the roots to avoid damage. Keep the soil evenly moist to avoid roots splitting. 

 

The roots are ready to lift when the foliage starts to die down in late summer or autumn; use a fork to carefully lift them. They can be left in the soil and lifted as required, although lifting a few extra in November will ensure you still have parsnips to eat even if the soil is frozen. Lightly frosted roots tend to produce the best flavour.