Enorma – Organic Scorzonera Seed

Rich and savory taste.Long, straight, black roots. Scorzonera is described as having an oyster-like flavor. Roots exude white sap and should be washed post-harvest. This biennial produces edible yellow flowers in its second summer. While the plant is still young, the tender leaves can be used in salads. Tops can be blanched like Belgian endive. Excellent storage potential, and can be overwintered for spring harvest, like parsnips. A great crop to diversify your storage root selection. Avg. 9–11" long x 3/4" thick. Also known as black salsify. USDA Certified Organic. Avg. 35,000 seeds/lb. Packet: 100 seeds.
CULTURE: Scorzonera prefers a deep, friable, well-drained soil. Sow in mid- to late spring in a 2" band about 1" apart (20 seeds/ft.), ½" deep, in rows 18–24" apart. Do not allow soil to dry out prior to emergence. Thin plants to 2–3" apart. Scorzonera seedlings look like grass and are thin and delicate. Do not weed them out!
HARVEST: Dig roots in late fall just before the ground freezes. Flavor is best after several frosts. Roots exude white sap and should be cleaned upon harvest. In mild areas, a portion of the crop may be left in the garden for spring harvest, as scorzonera is cold hardy. Apply a mulch or row cover in cold regions for winter survival insurance. Green tops and flowers can be harvested following overwintering in the second year. Tops can be blanched like Belgian endive.
STORAGE: Overwinter in soil or store in root cellar or refrigerator at 32°F (0°C) and 95% relative humidity.
AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE: 1 oz./120′, 8.3 oz./1,000′, 11.5 lb./acre at 20 seeds/ft. in rows 24" apart.
SEED SPECS: AVG. SEEDS/LB: Avg 36,250.
PACKET: 100 seeds, sows 5′.