Sow salsify outdoors in its final growing site, once the soil starts to warm up in April or May. Avoid transplanting, as that can cause the roots to fork. Choose a sunny location with light, free-draining soil that is deep enough to accommodate the long roots, which can grow up to 30cm (1ft). Remove as many stones as possible, and break up. Soil that is stony or has recently been manured can cause the roots to fork, in a similar way to carrots and parsnips. Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills, 1cm (¼in) deep, with 30cm (1ft) between rows. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 10cm (4in) apart, removing the weaker ones.
These are a very old vegetable, rarely available in the shops, very easy to grow and well worth it too, even if just for their gorgeous flowers.