Advertisement

Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil/Succeeds on poor soil:
Acidic / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Salsify, Tragopogon porrifolius, is a fabulous plant to have in the garden. This hardy biennial not only looks good, bearing purple, starry flowers from spring to autumn, but is also edible and good for wildlife. Typically it's the roots that are eaten, which are said to have an oyster-like flavour, but the young shoots and flowers are edible too, and are often added to salads.

Try growing Tragopogon porrifolius in your veg beds and plots to give them a more ornamental look. It also looks wonderful growing in gravel gardens and meadows, where it will gently self-seed.

For best results, grow Tragopogon porrifolius in full sun, in moist, deep, well-drained soil. Either sow the seeds with bottom heat from late winter to early spring, or direct sow them where they are to flower in spring.

Advertisement

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyesyesyes
Collect seedsyesyesyes

Tragopogon ‘porrifolius’ and wildlife

Tragopogon ‘porrifolius’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Tragopogon ‘porrifolius’ poisonous?

Tragopogon ‘porrifolius’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement