Scorzonera (Black Salsify) in Zone 4a & 4b
Scorzonera hispanica
Yes, scorzonera (black salsify) grows in zones 4a and 4b. Plant it outside May 15–May 22.
When to plant scorzonera (black salsify) in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 15–May 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 12–Sep 19 (~120 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 4b
These go outside within two weeks of scorzonera (black salsify) in zone 4b, so one planting day can cover them.
- CabbageMay 1–May 8
- TomatoMay 29–Jun 5
- Bush BeansMay 22–May 29
- Sweet CornMay 22–May 29
- LettuceMay 1–May 8
- CucumberMay 22–May 29
Scorzonera is often sold alongside salsify and grown the same way, but its root has a distinctive black skin over white flesh. Peeled and cooked, it shares salsify's mild, faintly oyster-like flavor.
How scorzonera (black salsify) fits zone 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Scorzonera (black salsify) needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.
Scorzonera (Black Salsify) planting windows in every zone
Zone 4b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Not usually | May 30–Jun 6 | Sep 27–Oct 4 |
| 4a & 4b (your zone) | Not usually | May 15–May 22 | Sep 12–Sep 19 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | May 10–May 17 | Sep 7–Sep 14 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Aug 23–Aug 30 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Aug 8–Aug 15 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | Jul 23–Jul 30 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 15–Feb 22 | Jun 15–Jun 22 |
Harvest dates are about 120 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for scorzonera (black salsify).
Where to buy scorzonera seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries scorzonera seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing scorzonera (black salsify)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Scorzonera (Black Salsify) in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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