Scorzonera (Black Salsify) in Zone 7a & 7b

Scorzonera hispanica

When to plant scorzonera (black salsify) in zone 7b

Zones 7a and 7b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Scorzonera (Black Salsify) doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

Start indoorsNot typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outsideApr 10–Apr 17
Estimated harvestAug 8–Aug 15 (~120 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.

Scorzonera (Black Salsify)
Photo: Joanna Boisse via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped.

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 7's season

Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Scorzonera (Black Salsify) needs about 120 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Scorzonera (Black Salsify).

Where to buy scorzonera seeds

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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)

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Growing Scorzonera (Black Salsify) in USDA zone 7b

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Growing Scorzonera (Black Salsify) in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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