FULL SUN – SALSIFY, Mammoth Island Sandwich – Tragopogon porrifolius. Salsify has never been a popular American vegetable. Its long growing season and poor storage capabilities make is difficult, but this rare vegetable, AKA The Oyster Plant, adds a flavor to soups and stews like no other. Introduced in the 1860s, Mammoth Sandwich Island produces 8-9 in. creamy white, tapered roots that are 1-2 in. in diameter at the shoulders. Incredibly winter hardy, the roots can winter over in the ground. Salsify can be sown in the early spring for a fall-winter crop and in early fall for a following year spring crop. In the spring, plant as soon as the ground can be worked. Soil should be deeply spaded before planting and amended with bone meal for stronger root development and lime to sweeten the salsify. Rows should be 18 in. apart. When seedlings are 2 in. high, thin, leaving 4 in. between plants. Salsify needs exposure to frosts to sweeten, so do not harvest until after a few frosts. Type Spacing Planting Depth Days to Germination Maturity Salsify 4 in. 1/2 in. 21 150
