Growing Salsify, also Vegetable oyster

Tragopogon porrifolius : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P P P            

(Best months for growing Salsify in Canada - Zone 7a Mild Temperate regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 - 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 14-21 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, Brassicas, Carrots, Celeriac, Endive, Kohl-rabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Alliums, Spinach
  • Harvested salsify roots

This root vegetable is not seen in supermarkets but is as easy to grow as carrots or parsnips.

It is a fairly slow growing vegetable but can be harvested in small amounts as required. The ground can be loosened with a fork and a few roots lifted for use.

Scorzonera is a variety of salsify which has black skin on the root.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Salsify

Wash and scrape the roots then boil before frying or roasting. They can also be used to make a creamed soup.

Your comments and tips

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10 Mar 16, Christine Rivière-Anderson (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I would love to plant black salsify in my area ( Muskoka, 225 kms north of Toronto) . I grew up in France where salsify is a common vegetable and I really miss it here. I realize that I live in a colder zone than is probably possible for growing salsify and that the harvesting is normally done in the winter but would it be possible to wait for Spring to harvest ? And if not, do I need to grow it in a greenhouse ? Thanks for your suggestions!!
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12 May 21, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7a Mild Temperate climate)
I'm from a warmer region - but I recalled something about hard freezes and salsify, so I checked the website where I purchased my seeds (RESTORATION seeds); here is some of the information from that site, where it talks about a hard freeze.... -- from their site --- The leaves of black salsify are spearhead shaped and have an excellent mild flavor improved by frost. They last past mild freezes and re-grow quickly after hard ones. They taste very much like lettuce. Come spring, they produce copius quantities of large, mild-flavored leaves long before lettuce can be planted. Late rin the summer when they bolt, your lettuce will be available. Also known as Scorzonera, Black Vegetable-oyster Plant, Serpent Root and Viper's Grass. Tags: Season: Spring Fall Winter, Seed:
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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