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

14 Jun 11, Lauriej (Australia - temperate climate)
I obtained my seeds in 2010 from New Gippsland Seeds in Silvan, Vic., raised then in tubes, transplanted then with plenty of potting mix around them, and they were a success. Previous time I grew them was twenty years ago, when Yates used to sell them. I allowed one plant to run to seed, and harvested that seed yesterday.
31 Dec 10, (Australia - temperate climate)
where can i find this in australia
25 Mar 11, rae (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
eden seeds
13 Nov 10, Schoenhenzel (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Could you please tel me where to buy seed of Salsify's in Australia, South Australia prefered. Thank you very much. Rene Schoenhenzel
01 Dec 10, Geoff Hudson (Australia - temperate climate)
Salsify is becoming increasingly popular and The Italian Gardener has it available by mail order
14 Nov 10, Allysa (Australia - temperate climate)
These grow in lots of gardens as a weed - not the black one though. Certainly, there are plenty in Adelaide gardens, and they are currently flowering and producing wonderful looking 'pom pom' looking seed-heads. Depending on where you live, you should be able to take a bit of a stroll around your local area, and see them flowering (they're only open up 'til about noon, then they shut 'til the next not-rainy day), or their pom poms (about 4 or so inches across, and a dull straw colour). They have an attractive bluish daisy- like flower. If you're not sure what they look like, you'll be able to find plenty of pics. on the 'net. Once you've seen them once, they'll be very recognisable to you.
11 Nov 10, Leah (Australia - temperate climate)
I grew salsify in punnets last year which was a dismal failure as the roots twisted like mad when they were transplanted. They did flower though and now a patch of the garden is covered with very healthy self sown plants which are flowering . . . But when should they be harvested and can the flowers be chopped off to prevent them spreading across the whole suburb, and the plant left in the ground until ready for eating? The info I've read says to eat them in winter. . . . . Thanks :-)
11 Nov 10, Sri (Australia - temperate climate)
My grandpa use to grow Salsify in the vegie patch as a natural insecticide and i remember he use to say to me u have to cut the flowers off or they will take over the entire garden and while i have never grown them myself apparently the rule of thumb is if they are self sown begin picking them in the autumn because the longer u leave them the less flavour they have.
30 Jul 10, DARREN (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Regards to people growing this lets say uncommon vegetable.It may pay to get seeds from various suppliers that way you are assured if one fails one may do better.and also possibly get a different strain or cultiver. check out also bargain seeds online as well the others people have mentioned . Eden seeds have worked for me but I am now hunting for different sources as this type of plant does intrigue me
21 Jul 10, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I first planted them in pots in mid august in Brisbaneand they took some time to germinate.Another lot planted recently in mid winter came up within a week. If you are growing them in pots like myself dont over crowd them.There is some growing individually in 4inch tubes and they are growing splendidly.
Showing 61 - 70 of 86 comments

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!

- Heather

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