Par-Cel

Germination

Sow indoors, ideally 2-3 months before last expected frost. Sow 15mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 15-20°C. Germination takes 14-21 days. Germination can be erratic. Once germination occurs transplant seedlings, when young, with 5cm spacing. Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed in rows 30cm apart. Plant with the upper, swollen part of the root on the surface of the soil. Can be container grown.

Growing

This is a hardy biennial plant which is usually grown as an annual. Prefers a fertile well draining soil in full sun. Keep well watered. Weed as required. If container grown the plant may be moved under cover as the weather cools to extend the cropping season.

Cultivation

To harvest simply cut what you need from the plant. Harvesting can begin approximately 85 days from sowing or 4 weeks after planting out. Cut and come again. If allowed to flower the plant will produce seeds. The seeds are also edible. The seeds can be left to allow self-seeding or can be harvested for sowing the following spring.