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Salsify

Salsify has a long taproot. Salsify belongs to the ‘forgotten’ vegetables.

Also known as:
Spanish salsify
Black oyster plant
Viper’s herb
Scorzonera

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recognize salsify
Salsify, photo: Pethan - CC BY-SA 3.0

Salsify – (Scorzonera) belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Sow in mid-April in open ground immediately in final spot. Salsify grows only slowly. Keep them weed-free. Harvesting can be done in from October. Salsify likes light soil; in heavy clay, the roots branch out. Salsify is not very susceptible to fungi and pests.
The long taproot of salsify has a nutty flavor and was also called winter asparagus, miner’s asparagus and asparagus of the poor man. They are very difficult to clean and wear rubber gloves when preparing, as salsify can discolor your hands.

Bugs

The salsify plant is not growing, growths on the root, root system shows many small root knots (galls): northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla).

Fungi & diseases

White rust on sunflower leaf, photo: Howard F.Schwartz – CC BY-SA 3.0

Yellow mold spots on the underside of leaves: white rust (Albugo tragopogonis).

Black or orange spots on the roots and silver-gray spots turning to brown: Parsnip canker (Itersonilia pastinacae).

Other