Germinates best in cool soils. Cold stratify 3-4 weeks will help stored seed germinate then start indoors 12 weeks before last frost. Lightly scarify seeds by rubbing them between two pieces of fine sandpaper then soak overnight warm 75˚F (23˚C) water to soften, inoculate with rhizobium agent. If starting indoors, sow in one gallon pots or comparable deep band-pots for improved tap root transplanting. Prefers fast draining calcareous soils with a mix rock phosphate, ground limestone and oyster shell. Root is harvested after first frost, leaves anytime. Soil pH 5.5-7.5. Hardiness zones 6-9. Perennial.
Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 7,100 seeds per ounce. There are no Federal germination standards for commercially sold herb seeds. Usual seed life 2–3 years. Store seeds in the refrigerator.
Planting Depth
1/4-1/2”Soil Temp. Germ.
60-70˚F stratify
Days to Germ.
3-10 scarify
Plant Spacing
12-18”Row Spacing
36-48”Days To Maturity
2-4 yearsPart Shade,
Moist Well Drained Soil