Salsify & scorzonera
Tragopogon porrifolius
Botanical family: Asteraceae
Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius, a biennial with purplish flowers) and scorzonera (Scorzonera hispanica, a perennial with yellow flowers), two Asteraceae grown for their taproot and often confused. Sources: Tela Botanica, “Tragopogon porrifolius L.” and “Scorzonera hispanica L.” (Coste's flora); Plants For A Future, “Tragopogon porrifolius” and “Scorzonera hispanica”.
Full sun
Deep, friable, without stones or fresh manure (otherwise the root forks)
Regular for a tender root
Hardy: the roots are harvested all winter, staying in the ground
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
Old root vegetables with fine flesh, tasting of oyster or artichoke. Sown in spring, they're harvested from autumn to the end of winter while staying in the ground, a living keeping vegetable. Left to bolt in the second year, their flowers (mauve for salsify, yellow for scorzonera) feed pollinators. Hardy and frugal, they occupy a bed for a long time.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Sown in spring, salsify and scorzonera are lifted from autumn to the end of winter, staying in the ground until needed.
Available: January, February, March, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Salsify » (rhs.org.uk/vegetables/salsify/grow-your-own)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture des salsifis » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-des-salsifis)
- Garden Organic, « Salsify and scorzonera » (gardenorganic.org.uk/expert-advice/how-to-grow/growing-guides/vegetables-herbs-guides/how-to-grow-salsify-scorzonera)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
No notable particularity; the latex of the root stains the hands when peeling (peel under water or after cooking).
Family behaviour: Asteraceae
In general, Asteraceae are a family rich in flowers appreciated by pollinators and beneficials (pot marigold, yarrow, chamomile). It is very scattered, from the mildest lettuce to the allelopathic sunflower.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: deep, friable, without stones or fresh manure (otherwise the root forks).