Rasbak / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Scorzonera
Scorzonera
Overview
Also called black salsify, scorzonera is a perennial root vegetable with dark, bark-like skin and creamy white flesh that has a more robust flavor than white salsify. It was once called 'viper's herb' because it was believed to cure snakebites. As a perennial, roots left in the ground grow larger each year, and the plant also produces edible flowers, buds, and young leaves.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height1m
Spread0.75m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeDeep, loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow in spring; perennial — roots enlarge each year; use fresh seed |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Oct — Nov | Harvest in fall of first year or spring of second; black-skinned roots |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Sow in early spring; thin to 4" apart; deep, loose soil |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Dig carefully — roots break easily; flavor is nutty, milder than salsify |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Sow in late winter; can leave in ground 2 years for larger roots |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Sep — Dec | Harvest fall through winter; roots improve with size |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Fall sow for spring/summer harvest |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Feb — Apr | Harvest from fall sowing; peel before cooking |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Fall sow; cool season root crop |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Mar | Winter/spring harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Roots peeled and roasted, braised, or sautéed
- Young leaves and flower buds added to salads
- Roasted root used as a coffee substitute in some traditions
Medicinal
- High in inulin prebiotic fiber
- Rich in iron, calcium, and potassium
- Traditional European tonic for liver and digestion
Other Uses
- Perennial root that improves in size over years
- Rare heirloom vegetable for specialty gardens
