Salsify in Zone 5a & 5b
Tragopogon porrifolius
Yes, salsify grows in zones 5a and 5b. Plant it outside May 10–May 17.
When to plant salsify in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 10–May 17 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 7–Sep 14 (~120 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of salsify in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- CabbageApr 26–May 3
- TomatoMay 24–May 31
- Bush BeansMay 17–May 24
- Sweet CornMay 17–May 24
- LettuceApr 26–May 3
- CucumberMay 17–May 24
Salsify is a long, slender root vegetable that's mostly fallen out of mainstream gardens but keeps a loyal following for its unusual, delicate flavor. It's a genuine long-season crop. Plan on it occupying its bed space from spring through late fall.
How salsify fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Salsify needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.
Salsify planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b 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 | Not usually | May 15–May 22 | Sep 12–Sep 19 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | 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 salsify.
Where to buy salsify seeds
True Leaf Market (each supplier's salsify seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Mammoth Sandwich Island (Tragopogon porrifolius): There isn't much of a decision to make here. Salsify has stayed a niche crop, so seed catalogs mostly carry one variety, and it's this one: an open-pollinated heirloom that Johnny's Selected Seeds still calls the classic, with long tapered roots that store and overwinter well. Buy: True Leaf Market Full notes
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing salsify" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Salsify in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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