Tragopogon porrifolius aka Salsify

Taxonomy

Tragopogon porrifolius, also known as purple or common salsify, oyster plant, vegetable oyster, Jerusalem star, Jack go to bed, or simply salsify, is a plant that is widely cultivated for its ornamental flower and edible root. It can also be found growing wild in many places. The plant can reach a height of 1.2 meters and has unbranched stems and grass-like leaves that exude a milky juice. The taproots can grow up to 30 cm long and 5 cm thick. The name Tragopogon porrifolius comes from the Latin word meaning "with leaves like leek". The root and young shoots of the plant can be boiled and eaten. Salsify is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow with regular watering and direct sunlight. It belongs to the Tragopogon genus and is native to the Canary Islands, Europe, and the Mediterranean. When repotting, the plant does not require added fertilizers if done each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Salsify, Purple Salsify, Purple, Common Salsify, Oyster Plant

How to care for Salsify

Difficulty

Salsify is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Salsify should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Salsify loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Salsify requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Salsify will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Salsify to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Salsify should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Salsify’s native range is Europe - Mediterranean. Naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia