Purple Salsify

What you'll need:

Purple Salsify seeds (available at garden centers or online)

A patch of your garden or a deep pot (at least 12 inches deep)

Loamy, well-draining soil (if your soil is heavy, mix in some sand to help with drainage)

Some basic fertilizer (a general-purpose vegetable fertilizer works fine)

When to start:

Purple Salsify loves cooler weather, so it’s best to plant in early spring or late summer. If you live in a warmer climate, aim for late fall when temperatures are milder. The soil should be workable and not too wet.

Finding a good spot:

This plant enjoys full sun but can handle a bit of shade. Find a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Since the roots grow deep, make sure the soil isn’t too compacted and has room for the roots to stretch.

Tip: If you’re unsure about the soil quality, loosen it up by mixing in some compost before planting.

How to plant:

1. Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Remove any rocks or clumps to give the roots space to grow.
2. Sow the seeds:
   • Plant the seeds about ½ inch deep, spacing them about 1 inch apart in rows.
   • Rows should be around 12 inches apart to give the plants enough room to spread out as they grow.
3. Water gently: After sowing, water the area lightly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Wait for sprouts: The seeds will take about 7-14 days to germinate. Once the seedlings pop up and reach about 2-3 inches tall, thin them out so each plant has about 4-6 inches of space between them. This gives their roots more room to grow.

If using pots:

• Make sure the pot is deep enough (at least 12 inches) because salsify roots grow long and straight down.
• Follow the same steps as above, but you might want to plant fewer seeds per pot to avoid overcrowding.

Tip: Don’t bury the seeds too deep—about ½ inch is perfect. Salsify doesn’t like being buried too far down.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Aim to water every few days, depending on how quickly the soil dries out.
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage the roots to grow downward.

Feeding time:

• Feed your plants with a light application of fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. You don’t need much—just a sprinkle around the base of the plant will do.

Weeding:

• Be careful with weeds! Since salsify grows slowly, weeds can easily overtake it. Gently pull weeds by hand to avoid damaging the roots.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Purple Salsify prefers cooler weather, so if you’re growing it in summer, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
• It can handle light frost, so don’t worry too much about cold snaps.

Tip: Mulching around the base of the plants with straw or grass clippings can help retain moisture and keep weeds down.

When to harvest:

• Purple Salsify is ready to harvest about 90-120 days after planting, depending on the variety. You’ll know it's ready when the leaves start to yellow and die back slightly.
• The roots can be harvested once they’ve reached a good size—usually around 6-12 inches long. Use a garden fork to gently lift them from the soil without breaking the roots.

How to harvest:

• Loosen the soil around the plant with a small garden fork or trowel.
• Carefully pull up the root, trying not to snap it off.
• Brush off excess dirt and store them in a cool, dark place.

Storage:

• You can store Purple Salsify in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks.
• For longer storage, you can also freeze or pickle the roots.

Tip: If you’re not ready to harvest all at once, you can leave the roots in the ground until you need them. They’re quite hardy and can stay in the soil even after the tops have died back.

Q: My salsify plants seem to be growing very slowly. Is something wrong?

A: Not necessarily! Salsify is naturally a slow grower, especially in its early stages. As long as the plants look healthy and green, they’re probably doing fine. Patience is key here.

Q: Can I grow Purple Salsify in containers?

A: Yes, but make sure the container is deep enough (at least 12 inches) because the roots grow long and straight down. You may not get as large of roots as you would in the ground, but it’s still possible.

Q: My salsify roots are forked or misshapen. What happened?

A: Forked roots usually happen when the plant hits a rock or hard clump in the soil. To prevent this, make sure the soil is loose and free of debris before planting.

Q: Do I need to water my salsify every day?

A: Not necessarily. Salsify likes consistent moisture, but overwatering can cause the roots to rot. Check the soil regularly—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.

Q: Can I eat the leaves of Purple Salsify?

A: Yes! The leaves are edible and can be used like other leafy greens, though they can be a bit tough. Many people prefer to focus on the roots, but feel free to experiment with the greens in salads or cooked dishes.