[radiohead]

Hi all,
I'm going to try some salsify this season as by all accounts it is utterly delicous .....any tips and tricks from those who have grown it before much appreciated!....(I,ve left a patch without manure as it is a root crop,is that a good idea?)

[Mazzie]

Ive not grown it before but i have my seeds ready to go .  From what i can remember from my research they need alot of room as the roots get alot bigger than a parsnip or carrot would.

[radiohead]

I've just ordered a packet from T&M as oddly none of my usual local seed stockists had any...I did read about the "crowbar" method....which involved punching a deep hole with said implement,filling it with compost and sowing a seed....apparently encourages nice long straight roots...Anyone tried that?

[Nige2Plots]

I tried to grow it last year with not much success. I'm trying again this year but in a raised bed with a soil/ compost mix.

[JayG]

It's also known as the vegetable oyster, which is either good news or bad depending on your taste buds!

I think it's possibly an acquired taste; I didn't. 

[Kristen]

Don't let me deter you, but I've grown in once.  Skinny roots, hard to peel (easier to cook, and then peel), flavour was not significantly better than competitors (such as parsnip) and yield was pathetic compared to competitors (such as parsnip )

[solway cropper]

I'm with Kristen on this. Tried it last year and was disappointed.

It doesn't taste like oyster and takes up a lot of space for what you get. Stick with parsnips!!

[radiohead]

Thanks for your thoughts....I'm going to try it anyway,just on one corner of the plot and see how it goes.

[Kristen]

Other folk here grow Salsify and love it - definitely worth growing once.  You might like to stick some Scorzonera in too and knock that one off in the same season! Along with Hamburg Parsley and Asparagus peas ...

[Cheshire Phill]

I grew salsify last year, seemed straightforward. Grew next to rows of parsnip and scorzonera, in sandy, light, prepared soil, and did very well.

However, as others have said, not for me, not bothering again this year, I'll stick to parsnips!! More rewarding, easier prep. etc.

Good Luck!!

Phill 

[JayG]

Other folk here grow Salsify and love it - definitely worth growing once.  You might like to stick some Scorzonera in too and knock that one off in the same season! Along with Hamburg Parsley and Asparagus peas ...

Oh Yes, Asparagus Peas!  A good choice for someone with imaginative taste buds and a very small appetite! 

(Of course I might have been unlucky........................)