Salsify
(Tragopogon porrifolius) A European favorite known in Roman times and cultivated since at least the Thirteenth Century. Sow ½” deep in very early spring, keeping moist until seedlings emerge. Needs at least 6” spacing, full sun, only ordinary garden soil, but this must be finely worked and free from rocks to produce straight roots. Lift and store mature roots in autumn. If left until the second spring, young shoots may be harvested and used like asparagus. Eventually forms attractive purple blooms on 3-ft stems.
