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              

(Best months for growing Salsify in USA - Zone 5a 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

Your comments and tips

03 Jul 19, (Australia - arid climate)
It says plant from Sept to March - look up the internet where to buy.
06 May 19, Bill Ness (Australia - tropical climate)
Am interested in growing salsify in Townsville, North Queensland. Is it possible?
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
22 May 18, Roberta T (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Will Salsify grow in SW Florida, zone 9b? Also the soil has natural PH of 8
20 Jan 18, Chap (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where do I buy salsify seeds in New Zealand?
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.
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
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.
08 Jan 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi where can I buy salsify seeds? I am in inner Sydney
09 Jan 18, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Eden or 4 seasons seeds on the internet have it.
Showing 11 - 20 of 86 comments

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?

- Elisa Turner

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