Salsify (Sandwich Island)

Salsify Parsnip Seeds

Salsify is a hardy biennial that produces both greens and an edible root in the first year. An extremely hardy plant, it can over winter in many climates and once planted, can be harvest all the way through early spring. Unlike most garden vegetables, the tops of salsify tend to spread and look more like a clump of grass than anything else. The roots are beige, about the size of a large carrot, and bumpy like a parsnip.

Salsify is grown mostly for its roots, though the young shoots are also quite tasty, as are the flowers and flower buds. Unlike carrots or parsnips, salsify is both extremely easy to germinate and to care for. The plants are both generous and resilient, and when left as a biannual, offer up stunning flowers their second year.

Common Questions

Can you transplant Salsify parnsip seedlings? Yes, you can start your Salsify seeds indoors, but like most root vegetables there is not a guarantee that you will be able to harvest your parsnips. Root vegetables dislike their roots being disturbed during the early growing stage.

Why won't my Salsify parsnip seeds germiante? Parnsips need a minimum soil temperature of 8°C to germinate. Even at 8°C you can still struggle to get all your seeds to germinate due to rot before sprouts emerge. The best time to germinate your Salsify is once soil temperatures reach around 12°C.

How do I grow long Salsify Parsnips? Our tried and tested way to grow longer Salsify parsnips is to insert a cane into your soilbed and wiggle it around to form a corn shaped hole. Fill the hole 3/4 of the way up with sand, cover with seed cutting compost and sow 3 seedlings. Once your Salsify parsnips have been established, remove the weakest to help you grow healthy long, straight parsnips.

Is it easy to grow Salsify parsnips? Salsify parsnips require little maintenance and are generally easy to grow. You will need well-draining and fertile soil to develop healthy, quality parnsips come harvest.

Why have my Salsify parsnips forked? Your Salsify parsnips can grow with forked or split roots when the soil is under prepared or over fertilised. Parsnips grow best when they have been directly sown into well-worked soil.