Yellow Salsify
Tragopogon dubius
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Pl. 89D7 — Tragopogon dubius
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IOverview
Overview
Yellow Salsify (Tragopogon dubius) is a hardy plant native to regions including Afghanistan and Albania, with a widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. It thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Known for its edible roots and leaves, this perennial can grow up to 1 meter tall. Its distinctive features include a light, airy appearance and the presence of large, purple flower heads that give way to fluffy seeds. Yellow Salsify is often found in habitats ranging from Central Europe to West Siberia, showcasing its resilience across diverse climates.
Quick answers
What is Yellow Salsify?
Yellow Salsify (Tragopogon dubius) is a hardy plant native to regions including Afghanistan and Albania, with a widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. It thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Yellow Salsify thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It requires moist conditions but is not overly fussy about soil type. This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and grows up to 1 meter tall. Hardy from zones 4-8, it can be propagated by seed sown directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. The edible parts include both leaves and roots, making this a versatile addition to your garden.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Yellow Salsify for the first time
8steps
Start with Yellow Salsify to gain experience in growing root vegetables.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden plot or large container, gardening gloves.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH of 6.5–7.5; loosen it deeply if using a container.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart; thin to 45 cm for larger roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch lightly to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Remove weeds carefully around the plants.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Harvest roots when they reach 2-3 cm in diameter; cut off spent flower heads to encourage more growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The yellow salsify is edible and can be eaten both raw and cooked. Its leaves and roots are commonly consumed. The roots, in particular, have a mild, sweet flavor similar to oysters when roasted or boiled. Leaves can be added fresh to salads for a crunchy texture. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)KazakhstanPakistanSaudi Arabia
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 89d74043-3b85-427a-8116-d5c26830bdd9
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