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Annual BiennialHerbs - Culinary

Tragopogon porrifolius

salsify

A biennial herb up to1.2m tall with erect stem and 15-30cm long taproot. The stem and leaves are pale green and the leaves are linear with a grass-like in appearance. The young root is harvested in its first year and used as a vegetable. If left to flower, it will produce decorative, purple-pink round flowers resembling dandelions, 3-5cm in diameter

Other common names
oyster root
purple goat's beard
see morevegetable oyster
Jerusalem star
oyster plant
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 Pink Purple Green
Autumn Pink Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous or Semi 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

Correct

Plant range
Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, light, free-draining soil in full sun. Can be naturalised in meadow, grown as ornamental or cultivated for the edible root harvested in winter. See salsify cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Grow from seed sown outdoors in late spring

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

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free. Seedlings and young plants may be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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