Overview
Tragopogon porrifolius is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Tragopogon, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous, semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Tragopogon porrifolius grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to Mediterranean.
About
Tragopogon porrifolius is a biennial herb that can reach heights of up to 1.2 meters. It features an upright stem and a long taproot measuring between 15 to 30 centimeters. The stem and foliage exhibit a pale green hue, with the leaves being narrow and grass-like in shape. In its first year, the young root is collected for culinary use as a vegetable. Should the plant be allowed to flower, it will generate spherical flowers in shades of purple-pink, measuring 3 to 5 centimeters across, which bear a resemblance to dandelions.
About the genus
Tragopogon consists of either annuals or herbaceous perennials featuring narrow, grass-like foliage and prominent flower heads resembling dandelions, which bloom in yellow or purple during the summer months.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tragopogon
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Tragopogon porrifolius size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Mediterranean
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tragopogon porrifolius
- Cultivation
- Grow in deep, light, free-draining soil in full sun. Can be naturalised in meadow, grown as ornamental or cultivated for the edible root harvested in winter. See salsify cultivation for more advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Grow from seed sown outdoors in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free. Seedlings and young plants may be susceptible to slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Tragopogon porrifolius?
Grow in deep, light, free-draining soil in full sun. Can be naturalised in meadow, grown as ornamental or cultivated for the edible root harvested in winter. See salsify cultivation for more advice.
Where is the best place to plant Tragopogon porrifolius?
Tragopogon porrifolius prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tragopogon porrifolius need?
Tragopogon porrifolius is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Tragopogon porrifolius?
No pruning required.
How big does Tragopogon porrifolius grow?
Tragopogon porrifolius reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Tragopogon porrifolius hardy in the UK?
Tragopogon porrifolius has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Tragopogon porrifolius?
Grow from seed sown outdoors in late spring.