Black salsify

Plant family

Daisy family (Asteraceae)

Also known as

Spanish Salsify, Black Oyster Plant, Serpent Root, Viper's Herb, Viper's Grass, Scorzonera

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

5 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

2 cm

Instructions

End of February

Sowing

Beginning of March

Weeding

Every two Weeks

End of March

Thinning

End of March

Thinning

Description

Garden salsify (Scorzonera hispanica), also called "Spanish salsify" or "true salsify," is a member of the salsify plant genus (Scorzonera) in the composite family (Asteraceae).

Growing tips

To prepare the bed, we recommend loosening the soil to a depth of at least 20 centimetres and working some compost into the soil. If you have heavy or very wet soil, it is best to grow on ridges or in a raised bed. Important when sowing: The rod-shaped seeds must not break! Otherwise they will lose their germination capacity. After germination, the young plants can be spaced six to ten centimetres apart in a row. When the plants are young, you can encourage their development by frequently hoeing and weeding. During the main growth phase in summer, there is relatively little for you to do. During longer periods of drought, you should water generously so that root development does not stagnate. It is better to water only once a week so that the soil is soaked through to the deeper layers. Harvesting begins at the end of October, as soon as the foliage begins to grow, and can be extended until April of the following year. Even hardy frosts cannot harm the robust roots, but it is not possible to dig them up when the ground is frozen. With a thick layer of mulch made from straw or autumn leaves, you can ensure that the supply does not break off. To harvest the salsify, it is best to loosen the soil and carefully pull out the stalks. In heavy (clayey) soil, it helps if you dig a deep trench next to the rows and carefully push the roots out in the direction of the trench.