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
  • 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

22 May 18, Roberta T (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Will Salsify grow in SW Florida, zone 9b? Also the soil has natural PH of 8
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.

I'm trying it for the first time seeds seem to take ages to come up - i sowed them 2 weeks ago - maybe its still to hot here but will keep trying!!!

- Jo Mckenzie

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.