About
A biennial herb up to1.2m tall with erect stem and 15-30cm long taproot. If left to flower, it will produce decorative, purple-pink round flowers resembling dandelions, 3-5cm in diameter. The young root is harvested in its first year and used as a vegetable. The stem and leaves are pale green and the leaves are linear with a grass-like in appearance.
About the genus
Tragopogon can be annuals or herbaceous perennials with grass-like linear leaves and large, dandelion-like yellow or purple flowerheads in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toMediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationGrow from seed sown outdoors in late spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Seedlings and young plants may be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free