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

(Best months for growing Salsify in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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
  • 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

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11 Jun 18, Gordon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
How do I go about ordering and receiving delivery of the Salsify I am from Canterbury NZ
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20 Jan 18, Chap (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where do I buy salsify seeds in New Zealand?
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27 Apr 19, Dominique (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I buy mine in the mediteraneen shop in Rangiora. If you need the address, let me know and I will send it. Have a good day.
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03 Feb 18, Eliot Thomas (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I buy most of my seeds from This site and have salsify www.italianseedspronto.co.nz
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28 Jan 18, Bruce (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
search for seeds-4u on the net, lists two varieties of salsify amongst their interesting range of unusual and hierloom seeds.
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30 Dec 11, Diane Mathers (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have just harvested my first crop of salsify. The roots are small and forked quite a lot. Is this due to too much nitrogen in the soil or is this normal ?
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23 Nov 08, Stephen and Sandra (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We have got the black salsify, we would like to know where to get the white salsify from. When do you plant it and how long to harvest?
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05 Dec 11, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I procured some black salsify seed from kings seed. They reckon its about three months before it is ready for harvest.
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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. GardenGrow 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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