Scorzonera undulata deliciosa - (Guss.)Maire.
(Guss.)Maire.
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
Description
Scorzonera undulata deliciosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Root - cooked. A sweet and very grateful flavour. It is considered by some to be equal in quality to the cultivated scorzonera, S. hispanica. Flowers - raw.
Distribution
S. Europe - S. Italy.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any soil in sun or light shade.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in the greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into relatively deep pots to accommodate the tap root. If growth is good, plant out in early summer, other wise grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Division in autumn or as growth commences in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
