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Scorzonera - any tips?

Last post 04-11-2009 2:06 PM by EvaInNL. 6 replies.

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  • 04/11/2009 08:56 AM
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
    • 59
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    Hello All,

    I'm planning to grow scorzenara, some from seed and, if I'm lucky, also some I hope to get from the garden center. I've found a lot of information how to grow these perennials but am just wondering if anyone had some additional tips they want to share?

    Also, one possibly very silly question, but forgive me I'm new to all this: what would the yield of one seed/plant be? One scorzonera root or more?

    Eva
  • 04/11/2009 08:57 AM
    In reply to
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
    • 59
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    PS: the seed package doesn't tell me which variety it is, but I'm guessing Scorzonera Hispanica...
  • 04/11/2009 08:59 AM
    In reply to
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
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    Euhm, PS2 Embarrassed

     

    I've just noticed that the front of the package says it's an annual plant. I thought it was a plant you could grow on till the next year to get bigger roots. Any thoughts on this? Is it better to harvest in year 1 or 2??

     Confused...

  • 04/11/2009 09:51 AM
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    Scorzonera grows itself - just sow seeds 20mm deep in April in rows 30cm apart, thin plants to 15cm apart and keep weedfree.  Growmore  or equivalent at 30g per sqare metre is sufficient fertiliser.  They have no significant pests and diseases.  Dig out the roots to consume from October until March.  Any you leave will flower the following summer (ie biennial), when you can collect seeds.  Each plant produces one root about 30-50cm long and about 3-4cm thick..  They are OK, but a 5m row will be plenty for most people.

     Boggy

    Beware the bat-eared bogweevil
  • 04/11/2009 11:08 AM
    In reply to
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
    • 59
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    Thank you Boggy! Sounds like you're an expert on scorzonera, or is it scorzoneri? Wink Based on your information I think I'll do 2 rows of 2,5 m, one from seed and the other from seedlings. I've read you don't need to crop rotate them, but I'll do so just to be certain.

    Eva
  • 04/11/2009 12:09 PM
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    Transplanting is not recommended, but if you shift the seedlings when very small you may get away woth it.

     

    Boggy

    Beware the bat-eared bogweevil
  • 04/11/2009 02:06 PM
    In reply to
    • EvaInNL
    • Holland
    • 25 Sep 2009
    • 59
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    Sorry Boggy, I should've been more clear, I meant after I'd harvested the root. So basically just sowing/planting in a new patch each year, unless I let them overwinter...

    Eva