What's eating my salsify?

Salsify is a relatively pest-resistant root vegetable, but aphids can colonise its narrow grass-like leaves and slugs target seedlings. Carrot root fly occasionally attacks the taproot, and rabbits will graze the tops. Its long taproot means any root damage from larvae goes unnoticed until harvest. Good soil prep and rotation minimise risks.

Clusters on young leaves and stems, causing yellowing and stunted growth; sticky honeydew promotes sooty mould on the foliage. Hose off with water or apply insecticidal soap spray. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertiliser, which produces the lush soft growth aphids prefer.

Seedlings grazed at soil level in spring; the long taproot may be surface-scarred in wet, heavy soils. Sow in well-drained, loam soil as recommended for salsify. Use beer traps or iron phosphate pellets at germination. Thin promptly.

Larvae occasionally tunnel into the taproot, leaving rusty channels and allowing rot to enter — damage found at harvest. Rotate salsify away from carrots, parsnips, and parsley. Use fleece or mesh barriers as you would for carrots.