How to grow Black Salsify

Scorzonera hispanica

Loose, rich soil is best because roots can break easily when harvested.

Growing Black Salsify from seed

Direct sow after last frost through July. May soak seeds before planting or water well directly after planting.

Aim to sow 0.39 inches (1.0 cm) deep and try to ensure a gap of at least 3.9 inches (10.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 0°C / 32°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Black Salsify about 0 days after your last frost date .

Transplanting Black Salsify

The soil temperature for optimum germination is pretty high, though they are viable down to rather cool temperatures. In our climate, most sources agree that you can sow from “early spring” till as late as mid-July. Now scorzonera, like most roots (carrots are the notable exception) are slow-growing, with 120 days as a typical “days to maturity” figure. Moreover—again, like almost all roots—they are much improved by exposure to at least one good frost, so we don’t want them ready too soon, though they don’t get woody when large; as long as we can still get them out of the ground is as late as we can take them (4)

As Black Salsify is hardy, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

Harvesting Black Salsify

Growing in deep containers will make harvest easier, roots are delicate and easily breakable.

Flavor improves after frost.

Roots may be left in the ground and harvested as needed during the winter if the climate is mild enough so that the ground can be protected against freezing by mulching.

Roots can be stored in the refrigerator or a cool but not freezing location for several months. Cut off the tops before storing.

Leaves can be harvested for salad greens.

Seed Saving Black Salsify

Self sows.

Beware: scorzonera seeds are notoriously short-lived. If you aren’t saving you own seed annually, don’t try to be cheap and use last season’s leftovers—get fresh seed every year. (4)

How long does Black Salsify take to grow?

These estimates for how long Black Salsify takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Black Salsify to germinate?
33 days

Average 33 days | Min 33 days | Max 35 days (2)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Black Salsify?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until Black Salsify is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 150 days

Average 150 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Black Salsify?
= days

When should I plant Black Salsify?

Our when to plant Black Salsify estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Black Salsify before or after your last frost date.
0 days after Last Frost Date

Other names for Black Salsify

Scorzonera hispanica, black salsify , Spanish salsify, black oyster plant, serpent root, viper's herb, viper's grass,(1) mock oyster (3)

Scorzonera hispanica L.

Footnotes

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorzonera_hispanica
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorzonera_hispanica
(3) http://www.bountifulgardens.org/products.asp?dept=65
(4) http://growingtaste.com/vegetables/scorzonera.shtml

davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/99208/
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SCHI2


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