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Scorzonera

Roots & Tubers

Scorzonera

Scorzonera hispanica

Black-skinned on the outside, creamy white within: an old root vegetable with a mild, sweet, nutty flavour.

Root cropSweet nutty rootCold hardy
Awaiting restock

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

This plant is currently awaiting restock.
LifecyclePerennial (grows as a short-lived perennial in UK; often grown as a biennial or annual)
PositionFull sun
SoilDeep, stone-free soil is essential for long straight roots. Avoid recently manured or compacted ground.
Garden sizeGrows about 50 cm tall, spreading 30 cm wide
ContainerNeeds a deep container (minimum 30 cm) for straight root growth
Historic erasGeorgian
Worth knowing: May self-seed freely—remove flowers before they set seed if you want to control spread

Why it belongs in a forgotten garden

Scorzonera — the story

Why grow it?

Scorzonera is the darker, hardier cousin of Salsify: long black-skinned roots, white flesh and a reputation as a refined winter vegetable that has almost vanished from ordinary gardens.

History & context

Also called black salsify, Scorzonera (Scorzonera hispanica) is an elegant root vegetable with a secret. Its unassuming black exterior hides a brilliant white flesh that is mildly sweet and nutty. Grown in kitchen gardens for its culinary and medicinal value, this hidden gem is a delicious surprise, a plant that truly proves that beauty is on the inside.

Explore its place in Georgian garden history.

Growing guide

How to grow Scorzonera

Soil & position

Deep, stone-free soil is essential for long straight roots. Avoid recently manured or compacted ground.

Light: Full sun

Water

Water during prolonged drought to prevent growth checks and coarse roots.

Propagation

Direct sow in spring. Seed viability can decline quickly, so fresh seed is worthwhile.

Sowing referenceSow Mar–Apr (direct trays or beds)Depth: 1.5–2 cm • Cold treatment: No

Ongoing care

Thin carefully and keep weeds down. The plants can be left in place beyond one season if roots are not all needed immediately.

From garden to kitchen

Harvesting & eating it

When to harvest

Lift from late autumn through winter. Dig deeply because the roots snap easily.

Lift roots from autumn onwards, taking care because the long roots snap easily. They can remain in the ground into winter where conditions allow.

What is edible?

Roots are the main crop; young leaves and flower buds are also edible.

Flavour & cooking

The elegant roots are best prepared simply, by boiling, mashing, or roasting. They have a delicate, sweet flavour that is perfect in soups, gratins, or with rich, creamy sauces.

Food value

Roots provide fibre and carbohydrate, including inulin-type fructans. As with other inulin-rich foods, introduce large portions gradually if you are not used to them.

Traditional medicinal uses, where mentioned in the historical material, are included as history rather than medical advice.

Kitchen idea

Scorzonera gratin

The creamy white flesh works well with a simple baked sauce.

You’ll need

  • 700 g Scorzonera roots
  • ½ lemon
  • 200 ml double cream
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 60 g grated Gruyère or mature Cheddar
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Peel the roots and place immediately in lemon water to limit browning.
  2. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until nearly tender, drain and arrange in a gratin dish.
  3. Warm the cream with garlic, nutmeg, salt and pepper and pour over the roots.
  4. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
  5. Bake at 200°C / 180°C fan for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.

How tough is it?

Resilience, pests & garden value

Resilience

A surprisingly tough perennial, Scorzonera is highly resistant to common pests and holds its own in a variety of conditions. It is a reliable, low-maintenance crop that rewards the gardener with a consistent yield.

Pests & practical problems

Broken or forked roots mostly come from hard or stony soil. Slugs and root pests can occasionally damage crowns.

Wildlife value

Yellow flowers are attractive to insects if plants are allowed to bloom.

Growing in a container

Needs a deep container (minimum 30 cm) for straight root growth

Container plants generally need more frequent watering and feeding than the same plant in open ground.

Ready to grow it?

Scorzonera

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

Awaiting restock

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