Tragopogon porrifolius 'Sandwich Island Mammoth'
salsify 'Sandwich Island Mammoth'
A biennial which flowers in its second year, this can be grown for its ornamental flowers. These have mauve petals with a star of long green sepals around the edge. The blue-green leaves are long and narrow and it has a large, fleshy taproot which is edible, however this is best in its first winter before it has flowered. This variety is said to be the tastiest and remains good to use until March
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Blue | ||
| Autumn | Green Blue | |||
| Winter | Green Blue |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Tragopogon can be annuals or herbaceous perennials with grass-like linear leaves and large, dandelion-like yellow or purple flowerheads in summer
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in good light, in deep soil to allow for growth of the taproot. For more advice see salsify cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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