How to grow Salsify in Australia
A long root crop for full sun in deep, loose, stone free soil dug over well so roots grow straight. Sow direct as it dislikes transplanting.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 4 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 15 cm
- Time to harvest: 120 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to June | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to June | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to July | Longer cool season than SEQ. Sow salsify direct Mar to Jul for roots through winter and spring. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | February to July | Extended cool season. Deep roots love Melbourne conditions. |
| Adelaide & SA | February to July | Extended cool season. Good conditions. |
| Perth & WA | March to July | Sow Mar to Jul direct with fresh seed. Roots grow through the mild winter and are dug in spring. |
| Tasmania | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov. Dig through winter. Thrives in the cool. |
| Canberra & ACT | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov into warming soil; long season root. Frost sweetens; dig from late autumn through winter. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Cool-season root crop. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Cool-season root crop. |
Varieties
- Mammoth Sandwich Island
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Roots are ready when full sized, usually after the leaves have grown tall. Loosen deeply with a fork before lifting, as the long roots snap easily.
Storage
Cool dark place in sand for weeks. Fridge wrapped for 1 to 2 weeks.