Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Sandwich Island Salsify is a biannual plant that transcends its Mediterranean roots to offer a unique culinary and ornamental experience. Often referred to as oyster plant or vegetable oyster due to its faint oyster-like root flavor, this versatile plant is prized for its edible root that can be boiled, steamed, sautéed, or roasted, making it a delightful addition to a range of dishes. Explore its culinary uses in salads, gratins, and fritters, in a raw, mashed, steamed, roasted, or boiled form. Its striking purple flowers also enhance garden beauty and floral arrangements while aiding important pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
NAME: Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius)
VARIETY: Sandwich Island
DAYS TO MATURITY: 120 – 130 days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Annual
STATIFICATION: Not required
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 5 – 12
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Well-draining, fertile soils with a pH 6.0 – 7.2
SPACING: 2 – 4 inches
PLANT HEIGHT: 12 – 18 inches
TEMP: 55 – 85ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in small pots with seed starting soil mix 4 to 6 weeks before your last local spring frost.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs.
Once seedlings sprout and have at least 2 true leaves, transplant into prepared garden beds.
Seedlings should be transplanted spaced 4 to 6 inches apart in rows that are spaced 8 to 12 inches apart.
Water in immediately after transplanting.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting Sandwich Island Salsify seeds.
Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil to a depth of about 8-10 inches and removing any weeds or debris.
Sow the seeds directly into the soil, spacing them about 2 inches apart and covering them with a thin layer of soil.
Water the area gently to settle the seeds into the soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10-14 days.
Thin seedlings to a spacing of 6-8 inches apart once they have developed several sets of true leaves.
Prepare garden beds by choosing a location that receives full to partial sun with well-draining soil and a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Work compost into the soil and remove competitive weeds from bed before transplanting.
Sandwich Island Salsify is relatively low-maintenance but may benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
Monitor for pests and diseases, such as aphids or powdery mildew, and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary.
Salsify roots are typically ready for harvest 120-150 days after planting.
You can begin harvesting when the roots reach a size of about 1 inch in diameter, but they can be left in the ground longer for larger roots.
Use a garden fork to gently lift the salsify roots from the soil, being careful not to damage them.
After harvesting, trim off the tops and wash the roots thoroughly.
Store roots in a cool, humid place for upwards of 2 to 3 weeks.
