Artichoke and relatives - The Manual of Seed Saving - page 24

• resistance to powdery mildew
DISEASES AND PESTS Like scorzonera, some varieties of salsify are susceptible to powdery mildew, in
which case use farther planting distances to improve air circulation. Aphids, particularly blackflies, are
known to infest flower stalks and flower buds especially; treat early to minimize damage. Rabbits like
to eat buds and flowers in the spring. Mice and moles like to eat roots left in the ground over winter.
Roots overwintered indoors are susceptible to rot or dark-winged fungus gnat infestation.
Salsify that has been selected for straight, unbranched roots for many generations
CULTIVATION HISTORY Salsify is a very old crop plant from southeastern Europe and northern
Africa. It was apparently known and grown in ancient Greece; during the Renaissance it was men-
tioned in many plant topics. Since then, however, it has been grown less and less in central Europe and
has been all but forgotten. The roots of meadow salsify are also edible though much thinner.
BURDOCK
Arctium lappa
Edible burdock roots can grow to be up to 35 in. (90 cm) long and can be harvested in the first year of
cultivation. In east Asia and in Australia, burdock is also grown by market gardeners. In professional
cultivation they are often grown in raised beds for ease of harvest. Young shoots and the cores of
young stalks from the second year make for delicious vegetables, usually cooked, fried, or boiled.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
• 15 well-formed burdock roots
• strong poles to support seed stalks
POLLINATION NOTES Flowers self-pollinate, but multiple varieties can be cross-pollinated by insects.
Because the plants are very conspicuous and are well liked by honeybees, plant multiple varieties at