Salsify , Mammoth Sandwich Island

Tragopogon porrifolius, Vegetable Oyster plant, (circa 1860) - Slender parsnip-like dull-white root crop about 8 to 9 inches & tapers to a point. Roots have creamy-white flesh with a distinct flavour that is somewhere in the overlap between asparagus & oysters with a hint of nuttiness that seems to improve if dug after frost. Overwinter or store like carrots, tops are edible as young shoots, High in minerals, Very similar to Scorzonera in form (although Scorzonera is black-skinned) & in flavour, although not closely related, Yellow Daisy-like flower Late Spring into summer, Seed Count Approx - 18 avg

 SOWING - It is grown like Parsnips, 110 to 180 days. Sow from March to May. Germination can be erratic so it is best to sow 2-3 seeds flat in depressions 1-2cm deep, 10cm apart, with 30cm between rows. Thin to 22cm apart as they grow. Lift carefully in the autumn after frost and store in a cool place. Can be left in the ground through winter if need be. DO NOT plant in freshly manured ground