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 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

Your comments and tips

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09 Jan 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Eden or 4 seasons seeds on the internet have it.
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01 Dec 17, Heather (Australia - temperate climate)
I've sown some Salsify seeds from Eden Seeds, but can't find a picture anywhere of what the seed leaves look like. I know the plant has grass-like leaves, but generally the seed leaves are completely different. I'm not game to weed the patch until I can identify which are the salsify seedlings. Can someone please describe them for me? I don't think we can post pictures here, unfortunately.
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03 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google "salsify seedlings" - plenty of photos of the young plants. You may have to wait until they grow a bit.
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24 Apr 17, Donna Townsend (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I just purchased seeds from Seeds2freedom great service froo postage
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26 Mar 17, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)
I just purchased salsify seeds produced by Bairnsdale seed company, Goodman Seeds. I picked them up in the local IGA supermarket!
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27 Mar 17, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)
Goodman's is a good seed supplier to deal with. Their seeds are available from many outlets in Victoria and they are an independent, family owned company that has been going for about 125 years. If you are in other areas they do sell online.
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09 Aug 16, Heather (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just purchased a white and black root of this plant at my vegie shop in Chirnside Park. I am going to plant both as they have nodes on top which will be leaves! I live in Launching Place, which is near Warburton in Vic. But not as cold! On hill, otherside of Yarra River. Any advice for growing here? I have grown horseradish from this shop, just cut top off and plant! Hopefully, it will work with these too!
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21 Oct 16, Tina (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Heather, I am in Gembrook. I planted Salsify from seed and it looks great. This is the first time I have grown it, so haven't had a harvest. If it grows here, it will grow in Launching Place. -Tina
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30 Jun 16, Kerry (Australia - temperate climate)
Good morning Hanna, May I ask please if you have some salsify seeds for purchase? I love watching River Cottage and saw Hugh with the vegetable and would love to plant my own to enjoy the vegetable like he did. I wish you a lovely day, I look forward to hearing from you. kind regards Kerry
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04 Jan 18, Hanna (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Kerry, I am so sorry I missed your post of 30. June 2016. I just discovered it tonight. I suppose by now you have obtained some salsify seeds, but if not, I am only to happy to send you some. I live in Kelmscott a suburb of Perth. Best regards, Hanna.
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