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Tragopogon porrifolius (Salsify)
4 hours care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
0.4m
Max spread
Max spread
1-2 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Tragopogon porrifolius
Other names
Salsify, Jerusalem star, Oyster plant, Oyster root, Purple goat's beard, Vegetable oyster, Crocus-leaved goatsbeard, Grassleaf goatsbeard
Genus
Tragopogon Tragopogon
Species
T. porrifolius - T. porrifolius is a biennial with an edible taproot, rosettes of erect, primarily unbranched stems bearing linear, grass-like, mid- to blue-green leaves and, in summer, purple flowerheads surrounded by long, prominent green bracts.
Tragopogon porrifolius is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect flower stem
Flower
Purple in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Carrot fly , Slugs , Snails , Swift moth larvae , Wireworms Carrot fly , Slugs , Snails , Swift moth larvae , Wireworms
Diseases
Extremely resistant to canker.
Black rot , Foot and root rot , Root rot , Rust , Soft rot , Verticillium wilt Black rot , Foot and root rot , Root rot , Rust , Soft rot , Verticillium wilt
General care
Propagation
Sow in a cold frame or sow in situ in spring or autumn. If sown in spring, harvest roots after autumn frosts or for best flavour, leave in the ground over winter.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Tragopogon porrifolius (Salsify) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.4m after 1-2 years.
Suggested uses
Add to salads, Beds and borders, Flavouring food and drinks
Cultivation
Grows best in rich, deep, acid to neutral, moist soil in full sun. Water regularly through dry periods.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Tragopogon porrifolius
Other names
Salsify, Jerusalem star, Oyster plant, Oyster root, Purple goat's beard, Vegetable oyster, Crocus-leaved goatsbeard, Grassleaf goatsbeard
Genus
Tragopogon Tragopogon
Species
T. porrifolius - T. porrifolius is a biennial with an edible taproot, rosettes of erect, primarily unbranched stems bearing linear, grass-like, mid- to blue-green leaves and, in summer, purple flowerheads surrounded by long, prominent green bracts.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect flower stem
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Colour
Flower
Purple in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Carrot fly , Slugs , Snails , Swift moth larvae , Wireworms
Diseases
Extremely resistant to canker.
Specific diseases
Black rot , Foot and root rot , Root rot , Rust , Soft rot , Verticillium wilt
General care
Propagation
Sow in a cold frame or sow in situ in spring or autumn. If sown in spring, harvest roots after autumn frosts or for best flavour, leave in the ground over winter.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Tragopogon porrifolius (Salsify) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.4m after 1-2 years.
Suggested uses
Add to salads, Beds and borders, Flavouring food and drinks
Cultivation
Grows best in rich, deep, acid to neutral, moist soil in full sun. Water regularly through dry periods.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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