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          

(Best months for growing Salsify in Australia - 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 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

Your comments and tips

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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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23 Jan 16, Elisa Turner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I remember eating black salsify (Schwarz- Wurzel in Germany.) They tasted very much like Asparagus. Very nice! Why can I not buy this vegetable in Australian vegetable shops? I may try and grow black salsify in my garden in subtropical region of Australia. Should I best wait for winter's colder weather?
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25 Jul 16, Asn (Australia - temperate climate)
Salsify sold in certain vegetables and fruit shops, it costs as much as $90.00 a kilo, The best way get the seeds is to buy a piece of Salsify cut the bottom part off and cook it enjoy yourself, the top part, you can plant it in the garden, wait for it to grow to flowers, harvest the seeds when the flowers dry. The best time to grow is in late August early September.
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24 Dec 15, Hanna Michalzik (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just read your request for salsify seeds. I have just harvested some seeds and I am happy to give you some. I live in Kelmscott. Best regards Hanna
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03 Aug 16, Fran (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi there, I realise that you offered salsify seeds quite a while ago but I am wondering if you have any I can get from you. I am willing to pay for them. Many thanks Fran
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16 Jul 15, marie claire joly (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to get salsify seeds thanks
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10 Aug 15, Geoff Hudson (Australia - temperate climate)
The Italian Gardener has two varieties of salsify.
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