How to Grow Salsify in New Zealand
Tragopogon porrifolius, the vegetable oyster, named for its subtle oyster-like flavour when cooked. The long white taproot looks like a thin parsnip, and the purple daisy-like flowers are edible too. An old European kitchen-garden staple that needs deep, loose soil.
When to plant salsify in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best salsify varieties for NZ
- Mammoth Sandwich Island — The standard variety. Long white roots with mild oyster flavour. (Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Kings Seeds)
How to grow salsify
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 120 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow salsify near: Carrot, Lettuce, Onion.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Slugs. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant salsify in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy salsify seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ, Kings Seeds.