{"product_id":"scorzonera-black-salsify","title":"Black Salsify Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eScorzonera, sometimes called black salsify or \"oyster plant\", is a hardy perennial grown for its long, dark-skinned roots, known for their distinctive oyster-like flavor. This ancient variety, originally from Italy, is prized for both its culinary and decorative qualities. It produces cheerful, daisy-like yellow flowers that attract pollinators and resemble those of sunflower plants. Perfect for permaculture gardens or diverse vegetable patches, it thrives in deep, loose soil and can return year after year if properly mulched and maintained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Grow Scorzonera?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScorzonera is suitable for zones 4 to 9 and grows best in full sun in rich, well-drained soil. It should be planted in deep beds or raised beds to allow its long roots to develop properly. It tolerates cool climates well and can overwinter in regions with mild winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Traditional Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNative to Europe, particularly Italy and France, scorzonera has long been cultivated for its nutritious and uniquely flavored roots. Formerly used as a vegetable and in traditional medicine, it was even believed to protect against the plague. Although its popularity has declined over time, it is now being rediscovered by gardeners for its rich taste and benefits to the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation for Canadian Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZones 8-9: Direct sow in early spring or fall; mulch in winter to ensure perenniality.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5-7: Sow in spring after frosts; mulch heavily for wintering or harvest in fall.\u003cbr\u003eZone 4: Start indoors or sow after all risk of frost; harvest in fall or overwinter with protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1988\" data-start=\"1673\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Scorzonera\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1 cm (½ inch) deep in rows spaced 30 cm (12 inches) apart; thin plants to 10 cm (4 inches).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the soil moist during germination; water deeply to promote root development.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roots are ready after 120 to 150 days; harvest is ideal in the fall, after the first frosts, for a sweeter flavor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep beds clean and soil well-loosened; flowers can be left for pollinators or removed to promote root production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips for Harvesting Seeds for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllow plants to flower:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let some plants flower in their second year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick seed heads when dry and fluffy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove seeds from husks and store in a cool, dry place.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for up to 3 years if properly stored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organic Producers Association (Certificate #1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644641042800,"sku":"MF-ROOT-016","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/ChatGPT_Image_27_avr._2026_19_28_54.png?v=1777332596","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-us\/products\/scorzonera-black-salsify","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}