Salsify
A long, pale winter root with a delicate flavour; leave it in the ground until needed.
Salsify seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March–April directly outdoors
Plant out
Do not transplant; lift carefully with a fork to avoid snapping the roots.
Harvest
October–March
Conditions
Sun
Full sun
Water
Keep consistently moist, especially during germination and dry spells
Soil
Deep, stone-free, fertile, well-drained loam, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
10-15cm between plants, 30-45cm between rows
Containers
Not ideal due to long taproot; needs very deep containers (at least 60cm)
Indoors
Not recommended; direct sowing outdoors is best
Care and harvest
Feeding
Not usually necessary in fertile soil; avoid high nitrogen feeds
Pruning
None required
Harvesting
Do not transplant; lift carefully with a fork to avoid snapping the roots.
Storage
Can be left in the ground until needed (protect with straw in very cold weather) or stored in a cool, dark, frost-free place
Good companions: Radishes, Lettuce, Garlic