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

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
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)
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
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.
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
02 Sep 12, Laurie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi does any one know where I can but the seeds for salsify around Nowra NSW or on line? Thanks
13 Oct 12, reni (Australia - temperate climate)
try Diggers seeds in Dromana Victoria -Im growing the large salsify successfully
15 Nov 12, Mordecai Veldt (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I am in a bind! I would really like to have some preserved salsify seed head puffs for my fiancee's wedding bouquet in may, but they won't be ready here in the USA by that time. If you are successfully growing them in Australia, we could work together to show you how to preserve them and have them shipped here? Can anyone help me out?
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
18 Oct 12, PhilB (Australia - temperate climate)
I obtained my salsify seeds from New Gippsland Seeds & Bulbs and sowed seeds for the first time - seedlings are growing very well. reni, what spacings are using between seedlings/plants? (If you check the entry for salsify on the Vegetables and Herbs page you will find that information - Liz) Also has anyone had any experience growing scorzonera (aka Black salsify) ? I had very poor germination when I tried this year.
Showing 41 - 50 of 86 comments

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.

- Heather

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