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 P         P P P P P

(Best months for growing Salsify in Australia - sub-tropical 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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02 Jul 19, Susan parker (Australia - arid climate)
I’m in Northam, Western Australia I’d love to grow salsify. Where can I get seeds. When do I plant?
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03 Jul 19, (Australia - arid climate)
It says plant from Sept to March - look up the internet where to buy.
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06 May 19, Bill Ness (Australia - tropical climate)
Am interested in growing salsify in Townsville, North Queensland. Is it possible?
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08 Jan 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi where can I buy salsify seeds? I am in inner Sydney
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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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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.
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