How to grow Scorzonera in Australia
A long, slender root crop for full sun in deep, loose, stone free soil worked over so roots grow straight. Sow direct and keep moisture even to avoid forking and woody texture.
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 scorzonera direct Mar to Jul for roots through winter and spring. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | February to July | Extended cool season. Black salsify thrives in Melbourne. |
| Adelaide & SA | February to July | Sow Feb to Jul direct with fresh seed; roots size up through the cool season and hold in the ground over winter. |
| 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. Black salsify loves a cold winter. Dig as needed. |
| Canberra & ACT | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov into warming soil. Frost improves flavour; harvest late autumn into winter. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not suited. A long cool season root crop, the same as salsify. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not suited. A long cool season root crop, the same as salsify. |
Varieties
- Russian Giant
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Roots are ready when long and full sized, often left to fatten over a long season. Dig down deep with a fork and lift carefully to avoid breaking the slim roots.
Storage
Cool dark place in sand for months. Fridge for 2 to 3 weeks.