Salsify Garden Guide

Salsify Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 1-2" (25-50 mm)
Row Spacing: 18-30" (457-762 mm)
Planting Depth: 1/2" (12 mm)
Plants Per Person: 2
Soil Temperature: 40-75°F (4-24°C)
Days to Emergence: 14-21
Recommended Soil PH: 6.0-6.8
Earliest Outdoor Planting: Around Last Frost
Can direct seed outdoors

Planting Salsify

Prefers a sunny location in an organically rich, well-worked soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Remove all stones and hard soil lumps from planting beds to a depth of 12 to 16 inches; obstacles in the soil can cause roots to fork and split. Plant salsify seeds about 1 to 2 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep in loose soil; do not allow soil to crust over the top of the germinating seeds.

Growing Salsify

Keep soil moist while seeds germinate; even watering prevents the roots from becoming stringy. A thin layer of loose mulch over the row helps hold the moisture. Side dress salsify with compost at mid-season. Keep planting beds weed free.

Harvesting and Storing Salsify

Salsify roots reach 12 inches or longer when ready for harvest. Lift salsify whole by hand or with a spading fork being careful not to break roots; the storage time of a broken root is significantly reduced. Salsify can withstand freezing so leave roots in the ground until you want them. Once the root is harvested, brush the dirt off, remove the tops and place it in a cool, dry place. Once the root is dry, you can continue to store in the cool, dry place or in your refrigerator.

Salsify Insect and Disease Information

Salsify has no serious pest or disease problems.

Salsify Yield Information

No yield information for Salsify.