Salsify - Fiore Blu
(Tragopogon porrifolius): Salsify is a delicious root, commonly grown in Europe, that is cold hardy. Looks like a large, somewhat unruly cream-colored carrot. Mild flavor and very tasty roasted or stir-fried. Flowers and shoots are also edible. Contains medicinal properties. Roots can be left in the ground in moderately cool climates (reportedly up to zone 5) or dug up and stored in a root cellar like carrots. Has really cool purple flowers in the second year. Self-seeds for an effortless next crop. We obtained this variety from Adaptive Seeds in Oregon, and agree with their assessment that it is a very nice winter crop for the Pacific Northwest!
Sow salsify as early as 2 weeks before the last expected frost in spring when the soil temperature has reached about 40°F. In mild winter regions, sow salsify in early autumn for a winter harvest. Salsify requires 120 to 150 days to reach harvest and is best when it comes to maturity in cool weather.