How to Grow Salsify: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Plant late spring or summer about 100 days before freezing weather (UAEX). Best harvest after a frost. — day-count language only.

Salsify at a glance

PlantUAEX FSA-6094: “Plant the seed in deep, well-prepared fertile soil in late spring or summer (about 100 days before freezing weather).”
SunFull sun; fertile deep soil.
SpacingDeep, well-prepared soil for long roots (UAEX).
Days to harvestAbout 100 days before freezing to harvest window (UAEX)
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Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Salsify root
Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius). Photo: Dennis Lamczak, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized).

Planting timing

UAEX FSA-6094: “Plant the seed in deep, well-prepared fertile soil in late spring or summer (about 100 days before freezing weather).” Best harvest after a frost; flavor improves after several hard frosts. Hardy; may harvest through early spring. (UAEX FSA-6094) USU black salsify (Scorzonera — peer culture): cool season ~120 days; sow as soon as soil workable in northern Utah. (USU black salsify) Label species if growing black salsify.

Depth and spacing

Deep, well-prepared soil for long roots (UAEX). USU black salsify: about ½ inch deep.

Sun, soil and water

Full sun; fertile deep soil. Even moisture for straight roots.

Care

UAEX: free from most garden diseases and insects when well-sited.

Harvest

Best after frost; flavor improves after several hard frosts (UAEX). Dig carefully — long roots.

Pests and diseases

UAEX notes freedom from most garden diseases and insects.

Related: all grow guides · ZIP planner · organic pest control

Frequently asked questions

When do I sow?

Late spring/summer about 100 days before freezing weather (UAEX).

Harvest before frost?

Flavor is best after frost (UAEX).

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources