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              

(Best months for growing Salsify in USA - Zone 5a 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 10°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 20 cm apart
  • Harvest in 14-21 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, Brassicas, Carrots, Celeriac, Endive, Kohl-rabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Alliums, Spinach

Your comments and tips

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27 Nov 15, Louise Huber (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Mordecai, I just found some growing wild yesterday. I picked one seedhead. The rest had not yet formed. I'm willing to have a go at preserving them for you. The seed head would look great in a bouquet. Louise Huber
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25 Feb 13, Douglas Duckmanton (Australia - temperate climate)
has anybody grown NZ yams in NorthEast Vic,and if so where may i get some tubers
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25 Nov 13, Sal. R (USA - Zone 4a climate)
I will be planting Salsify - Scorzonera in February. I have access to a professional Green House with heat in the Hudson Valley. I wanted to start the seeds there and was interested in taking the seedlings when they reach 2 inches to bring them out doors and plant them in their rows as described, probably in May to continue their growth. What would you suggest and when would I know when they are ready to harvest? Thank you Sal. R
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26 Dec 19, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I don't know if anyone ever answered you, but it's difficult to transplant salsify due to its long and fragile taproot. You might try planting them in those little biodegradable fabric pots--gently slit the bottom of the pot, and plant the whole thing.
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29 Dec 13, cees koeman (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to grow salsify (scorsenera) 1200 m above sealevel ,frosts any time up to xmas. hot sun .cold winter. Also want to grow horseradish different types. Can I buy seed from you? Cees. (Gardenate does not sell seed)
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25 May 14, Sonia karp (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
Can I grow salsify in Saskatchewan cold winter but fairly nice summer where can I get the seeds
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24 Jun 14, Marie Moore (Australia - tropical climate)
Where in Perth WA, Near Rockingham can I buy salsify seeds? Thanks
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19 Oct 14, Maria (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy Salsify seed in South Africa? I live in NW Province, Klerksdorp (City of Matlosana).
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16 Jul 15, marie claire joly (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to get salsify seeds thanks
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17 Jul 15, Prometheus (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I just recently came across a seed seller which I highly recommend (and they have Salsify). Check out www.boondieseeds.com.au. You're out of luck if you are in Tas or Wa though. Happy gardening!
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Kings Herbs and Seeds have also got salsify and vegetable oyster

- Chris

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