This typical winter vegetable variety is grown as a cheaper alternative to asparagus. Scorzonera is also known as Black Salsify. Duplex has a deep black skin and long blunt roots. Use gloves when peeling or handling this vegetable, because it's skin leaks colour on hands and clothes. Cut the vegetables in pieces and soak the pieces in some water with milk to prevent discolouring. Duplex doesn't bolt easily. Eat this vegetable cooked, stewed or uncooked in a salad.
Outdoor sowing: April - June
Germination: 15 - 20 days
Germination temp: 15 °C
Plant distance: 10 - 15 cm
Distance sowing in rows: 25 cm
Plant position: sunny
Days till harvest: 180 - 200
Sow outdoors from April on in deeply loosened, loose, sandy soil. Don't fertilize or condition the soil. Stick the seeds not too deep in the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Sow in rows about 25 cm apart. Thin the seedlings, when they're large enough to handle, to 10 - 15 cm apart. Keep moist and weed free.
Harvest from October till march. Dig deep to prevent the roots from breaking. The roots can be overwintered on the site. Harvest them fresh when the weather is Frost-free. They can also be harvested in autumn and kept in a frost-free cellar in caskets with some moist sand. Can be frozen to store.
