[Robster]

I am growing these for the first time this year.  I sowed them under fleece about a month ago.  Germination appears to be either slow or erratic, about 50% are up.  Is this normal?  Do you think I sowed too early?  Could it be better to sow in pots and plant out?

I am thinking about sowing into pots and planting out into the gaps for this years sowing

Any successful tips hugely appreciated.

Happy Easter Gardening

[New shoot]

I think you may have sown too early, but these are very long thin root veg, so I don't think transplating from pots will be easy.  Any slight damage to the roots will cause them to fork. 

Could you resow direct into the gappy bits of your rows?  I've grown salsify from direct sown seeds with great success, but OH was not overly impressed by the taste 

[ghost61]

Best sown direct.  Germination is erratic, so have seed in reserve for the gaps.  These are perennials and taste best in year two.  Lovely flowers as well!

[AnneB]

Best sown direct.  Germination is erratic, so have seed in reserve for the gaps.  These are perennials and taste best in year two.  Lovely flowers as well!

I think salsify is a biennial that flowers in its second year rather than a perennial.  I think you are right about scorzonera being a perennial though.

[Robster]

Thanks all appreciated.  Have a good Sunday