Salsify

Tragopogon porrifolius

Layer 6 · Roots
Edible companion

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

Native to the Mediterranean basin, it is a biennial plant valued for its mild-flavoured edible root. In a food forest, it forms part of the underground layer and attracts pollinators during flowering.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees salsify grows well with

We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.

See the central trees

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Medium
Light: Full sun
Size: Herbaceous up to 1 m
Mature diameter: 0.3 m
Soils: Loam, Sandy, Limestone
Climates: Hot, dry Mediterranean, Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental

Calendar

January — Harvest
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May
June
July
August
September — Planting
October — Harvest — Planting
November — Harvest
December — Harvest

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: The root and young leaves are edible and prepared cooked or in salads.

Where to buy

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.