Tragopogon porrifolius

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SalsifyBiennialFamily: Asteraceae

Height: 1mSpread: 40cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Blue/Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil/Succeeds on poor soil:

Acidic / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Salsify, Tragopogon porrifolius, is a fabulous plant to have in the garden. This hardy biennial not only looks good, bearing purple, starry flowers from spring to autumn, but is also edible and good for wildlife. Typically it's the roots that are eaten, which are said to have an oyster-like flavour, but the young shoots and flowers are edible too, and are often added to salads.

Try growing Tragopogon porrifolius in your veg beds and plots to give them a more ornamental look. It also looks wonderful growing in gravel gardens and meadows, where it will gently self-seed.

For best results, grow Tragopogon porrifolius in full sun, in moist, deep, well-drained soil. Either sow the seeds with bottom heat from late winter to early spring, or direct sow them where they are to flower in spring.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyesFlowersyesyesyesyesyesCollect Seedsyesyesyes

Tragopogon ‘porrifolius’ and wildlife

Tragopogon ‘porrifolius’ is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is not known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is not known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Tragopogon ‘porrifolius’ poisonous?

Tragopogon ‘porrifolius’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People