Scorzonera (Black Salsify) in Zone 5a & 5b
Scorzonera hispanica
Yes, scorzonera (black salsify) grows in zones 5a and 5b. Plant it outside May 10–May 17.
When to plant scorzonera (black 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 scorzonera (black 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
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Scorzonera (black salsify) needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.
Scorzonera (Black 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 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 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Scorzonera (Black Salsify) in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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