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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where can i find this in australia

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