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

17 Jul 15, Prometheus (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I just recently came across a seed seller which I highly recommend (and they have Salsify). Check out www.boondieseeds.com.au. You're out of luck if you are in Tas or Wa though. Happy gardening!
24 Jun 14, Marie Moore (Australia - tropical climate)
Where in Perth WA, Near Rockingham can I buy salsify seeds? Thanks
25 May 14, Sonia karp (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
Can I grow salsify in Saskatchewan cold winter but fairly nice summer where can I get the seeds
29 Dec 13, cees koeman (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to grow salsify (scorsenera) 1200 m above sealevel ,frosts any time up to xmas. hot sun .cold winter. Also want to grow horseradish different types. Can I buy seed from you? Cees. (Gardenate does not sell seed)
25 Feb 13, Douglas Duckmanton (Australia - temperate climate)
has anybody grown NZ yams in NorthEast Vic,and if so where may i get some tubers
02 Sep 12, Laurie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi does any one know where I can but the seeds for salsify around Nowra NSW or on line? Thanks
13 Oct 12, reni (Australia - temperate climate)
try Diggers seeds in Dromana Victoria -Im growing the large salsify successfully
15 Nov 12, Mordecai Veldt (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I am in a bind! I would really like to have some preserved salsify seed head puffs for my fiancee's wedding bouquet in may, but they won't be ready here in the USA by that time. If you are successfully growing them in Australia, we could work together to show you how to preserve them and have them shipped here? Can anyone help me out?
27 Nov 15, Louise Huber (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Mordecai, I just found some growing wild yesterday. I picked one seedhead. The rest had not yet formed. I'm willing to have a go at preserving them for you. The seed head would look great in a bouquet. Louise Huber
18 Oct 12, PhilB (Australia - temperate climate)
I obtained my salsify seeds from New Gippsland Seeds & Bulbs and sowed seeds for the first time - seedlings are growing very well. reni, what spacings are using between seedlings/plants? (If you check the entry for salsify on the Vegetables and Herbs page you will find that information - Liz) Also has anyone had any experience growing scorzonera (aka Black salsify) ? I had very poor germination when I tried this year.
Showing 31 - 40 of 64 comments

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