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Skirret

Perennial Vegetables

Skirret

Sium sisarum

A forgotten European root crop producing clusters of sweet, slender roots once prized in castle and monastery gardens.

PerennialSweet rootsHistoric crop
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 (dies back in winter and regrows each spring)
PositionFull sun to partial shade
SoilDeep, fertile soil with reliable moisture. Rich, loose ground makes straighter, less woody roots.
Garden sizeGrows around 150 cm tall, spreading about 45 cm wide
ContainerNeeds a deep container (minimum 30–35 cm) to support strong root development
Historic erasMedieval

Why it belongs in a forgotten garden

Skirret — the story

Why grow it?

A genuinely old perennial root crop that produces clusters of sweet, pencil-like roots rather than one large root. It is unusual in both appearance and history.

History & context

A forgotten treasure of Europe, Skirret (Sium sisarum) was once prized for its tender, sweet roots. Grown in both castle gardens and monastery plots, this plant is a testament to the rewards of looking beyond the usual vegetables. Think of it as nature’s answer to a sweet, mild parsnip, a delightful flavour hidden just beneath the surface.

Explore its place in Medieval garden history.

Growing guide

How to grow Skirret

Soil & position

Deep, fertile soil with reliable moisture. Rich, loose ground makes straighter, less woody roots.

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Water

Keep consistently moist during active growth; drought encourages fibrous roots.

Propagation

Grow from seed or divide crown offsets. Seed can be slow; autumn sowing or cold treatment may improve germination.

Sowing referenceSow Oct–Nov, germinates springDepth: 0.5 cm • Cold treatment: Optional

Ongoing care

Mulch generously, keep weeds down and divide crowns every few years. Remove flower stems if root production is the priority.

From garden to kitchen

Harvesting & eating it

When to harvest

Lift roots from late autumn through winter once foliage dies back. Replant a healthy crown piece if you want the plant to continue.

Lift roots after the foliage dies back, generally from late autumn through winter. Replant a crown or save divisions if you want to keep the perennial crop going.

What is edible?

Clustered roots are the principal crop; young shoots are also edible.

Flavour & cooking

The sweet and nutty roots are incredibly versatile. They are ideal for boiling, roasting, or adding to soups and stews, their subtle flavour pairs beautifully with butter, cream, or savoury herbs.

Food value

Roots provide carbohydrate and fibre. Their appeal is a naturally sweet flavour and historic status rather than a special modern health claim.

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

Kitchen idea

Honey-glazed Skirret roots

A light glaze suits Skirret’s natural sweetness.

You’ll need

  • 600 g Skirret roots, scrubbed and trimmed
  • 20 g butter
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cider vinegar
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Cut thicker roots lengthways so the pieces cook evenly.
  2. Put butter, honey, water and thyme in a wide pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add Skirret, cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until nearly tender.
  4. Remove the lid and let the glaze reduce around the roots, turning them carefully.
  5. Finish with cider vinegar, salt and pepper.

How tough is it?

Resilience, pests & garden value

Resilience

A truly hardy and dependable perennial, Skirret is highly resistant to common pests and holds its own in a variety of conditions. Its robust root system ensures a sweet and reliable harvest for years to come.

Pests & practical problems

Woody cores are more likely in dry or stressed plants. Slugs and rodents can damage roots; crown rot can occur in stagnant wet soil.

Wildlife value

Umbels attract beneficial insects if plants are allowed to flower.

Growing in a container

Needs a deep container (minimum 30–35 cm) to support strong root development

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

Ready to grow it?

Skirret

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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