- The first and most error-prone step: the sowing
- The demands on location and soil
- Is maintenance required here?
- When and how does the harvest take place?
- tips and tricks
Black salsify can be grown in your own garden in just a few simple steps. Once out of the seedling stage, it is easy to care for and hardy. But what do you have to pay attention to in principle during cultivation in order to avoid mistakes?
The first and most error-prone step: the sowing
The first step in the cultivation of black salsify is also the step that contains the most sources of error. Careless sowing should therefore not be done. There are several points to keep in mind before and during sowing.
The following must be observed:
- best period for sowing: late February to mid-March
- in cool regions: postpone sowing to early April
- do not use seeds older than one year
- handle the fragile seeds with care
- before sowing: loosen the soil deeply (at least 30 cm deep).
The stalk-shaped seeds of black salsify are sown 2 cm deep. It is not advisable to prefer it, as the young plants are extremely sensitive. When planting in a row, there should be a distance of 6 to 10 cm between the plants and a distance of 25 to 30 cm between the rows.
The demands on location and soil
A sunny to semi-shady location satisfies the requirements of black salsify. The soil should have the following properties:
- profound
- loosened up
- humorous
- wet
- without stones
- not compressed
- ideal: sandy soil
Is maintenance required here?
Black salsify does not require any special care. It is enough to water them regularly (the soil should never dry out), fertilize sporadically with compost and remove weeds. It is not usually attacked by diseases and pests.
When and how does the harvest take place?
If the black salsify was sown in time and its leaves wither in autumn, the harvest time comes into focus. The harvest begins in October and can last through winter (high season) until spring. The up to 35 cm long roots are uncovered with a spade and taken out of the ground.
tips and tricks
The cultivation of black salsify is excellent if the plants are allowed to grow in a mixed culture with cabbage, leeks or lettuce.