How to GrowSalsify Plants
How to Grow Salsify in Your Garden
Salsify is an “old-fashioned” root crop, that is not commonly grown in home vegetable gardens. And, that’s because many people have not even eaten it. Isn’t it about time you did!? So, learn how to grow salsify plants, and then get growing!
Although Salsify is slow-growing, it is worth the wait. Grow this root crop similar to carrots. The plants have grass-like leaves and purple flowers. It is grown for its long, thick root, growing up to a foot in length. It can be peeled and cooked like mashed potatoes.
Salsify is also called the Oyster Plant and Vegetable Oyster, for its oyster-like flavor.
Did You Know? Salsify is related to dandelions and chicory.
There are not many varieties of salsify plants. The most common variety is Mammoth Sandwich Island.
While Salsify plants are classified as biennials, they are grown as annuals.
Botanical Name: Tragopogon Porrifolius, Biennial
Nutritional Value
100 grams of Radicchio contains approximately:
- 68 calories
- 19 g carbs
- 0 cholesterol
- 0.2 g fat
- 3.3 g fiber
- 3.3 g protein
- 20 mg sodium
Salsify Plant Specifications
Days to Harvest: 120 to 150 days, depending upon variety and growing conditions.
Plant height:
- Black Salsify- Two to three feet tall.
- White Salsify – Up to four feet tall.
Light Needs: Full sunlight.
Ideal Soil pH : 5.5 – 7.0.
Plant Hardiness Zones: 5 – 9
Plant Type: Biennial.
Deer Resistant? Yes.
Native To: Mediterranean.
Botanical Name: Trapopogon porrifolius
Sowing Salsify Seeds
This cool weather plant, is very cold tolerant.
Directly sow Salsify seeds into the garden, as early as the ground can be worked in the spring.
Sow seeds 1/2″ deep and 1 to 2 inches apart.
Final spacing should be 6-10 inches apart.
Seed Germination: 7-21 days.
Garden Tip: Sow a few fast-germinating radish seeds along the row to act as a row marker.
How to Grow Salsify Roots
Planting and Soil Needs
Salsify is slow growing, yet it is an easy to grow root crop. It is a cool weather plant, that tolerates cold weather and frost.
The plants grow best in full sun. The plants grow best in cool weather. Provide a light shade in hot weather when it reaches over 85 degrees.
While the plants tolerate poor soils, they grow better in richer garden soils and be less likely to take on a woody texture. Work the soil and add compost and manure. The roots need loose, deep soil for best growth. Before sowing seeds, prepare the soil to a foot deep. Remove rocks and hard debris up to a foot deep.
Light Requirement
Plant salsify in an area of your garden where they will receive at least six to eight hours of bright, direct sunlight. In warmer regions of the country, the plants benefit with a little shade during the hottest part of the day.
Fertilizer Needs
Fertilize at planting time with a general-purpose fertilizer. Then, apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium every three to four weeks during the growing season. These two nutrients promote root development.
Do not over-fertilize salsify plants because over-fertilizing can cause forked and split roots.
Water Needs
Keep plants well and deeply watered, especially in droughts and hot weather. As the roots go deeper into the soil, water more deeply to reach the tap root. Dry soils can cause roots to become tough and fibrous.
Other Steps
It is important to keep the plants well weeded, especially when the plants are young. Weeds can overcrowd slow-growing Salsify.
Do not overcrowd salsify plants. Thin them to a final spacing of five to six inches apart.
Also see:
Plant Problems – Eventually, every gardener experiences a problem or two. So, read up on how to avoid problems before they occur.
Soil Temperatures – In fact, each plant has a specific, ideal soil temperature for maximum seed germination.
Insects and Pests
Salsify roots are seldom bothered by insects or pests. But, carrot maggots can be an occasional problem.
Plant Disease
Plants are basically disease-free. However, Salsify leaves can rot in humid weather, especially if they are planted too closely.
Harvest Time for Salsify Plants
Days to Maturity: This is slow-growing plant requires 120 – 150 days to reach maturity.
If possible, wait to harvest roots until after the first frost. Cold weather improves the flavor.
Do not try to pull up roots by the stems. Dig deeply around roots with a spade, to avoid breaking the roots.
Brush off roots and remove the stems. Place in a cool, dry place to dry for a few weeks. Or, store it in the refrigerator.
Plant Hardiness
Salsify plants are cool weather crop. As a result, they withstand light freezes. You can harvest the roots well after the first killing frost. If you want to extend the harvest well after a a dep freeze, then add a thick layer of mulch over the plants. Simply remove the mulch when you are ready and dig them out of the soil.
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