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Herbaceous Perennial

Sium sisarum

skirret

A herbaceous perennial that was a popular root vegetable before potatoes where introduced into Britain. The white roots are harvested when the plant is dormant (autumn to early spring) and taste like a mixture of sweet carrots and parsnips. It can also also be used as an ornamental plant, with umbels of small white flowers in summer

Other common names
crummock
jellico
see moresardia
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe E Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive, deep, fertile soil in a sunny position. Water during dry spells if roots are to be harvested and eaten. Lift and divide clumps when dormant (between November and March), replanting some sections and keeping the rest to eat

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back stems before lifting to harvest roots, or in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworm. Roots may be eaten by voles

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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