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 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
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!
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jul 15, marie claire joly (Australia - temperate climate)
Where to get salsify seeds thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Aug 15, Geoff Hudson (Australia - temperate climate)
The Italian Gardener has two varieties of salsify.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 30 of 64 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Salsify

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.