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Skirret (Sium sisarum) – Seeds
Growing Sium sisarum revives a heritage vegetable with a mild, sweet flavour while diversifying the home harvest. A well-established clump can produce for several years, be divided to create new plants, and supply flowers for beneficial pollinators. The roots are harvested during the cool season, when fewer perennial vegetables are available. With deep soil, compost, and dependable moisture, Skirret requires relatively little intervention and integrates easily into productive, long-term edible landscapes.
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Product information
Product
identification
identification
Common nameSkirret
Latin nameSium sisarum
FamilyApiaceae
TypePerennial root vegetable
CyclePerennial
Product
description
description
Skirret (Sium sisarum) is an old perennial root vegetable in the carrot family, grown for clusters of long white roots with a mild, naturally sweet flavour. Its compound green foliage forms a vigorous clump, followed by upright summer stems reaching approximately 1 to 1.5 m and carrying graceful umbels of small white flowers. These blooms attract bees, hoverflies, and many other beneficial insects. Hardy and well adapted to cool climates, Skirret returns for several years when established in deep, moist soil. Its airy form also provides ornamental interest in edible gardens while preserving a distinctive heritage crop rarely seen in modern Canadian vegetable plots.
Skirret prefers full sun or partial shade and deep, rich, loamy to clay soil that remains moist but drains well. Consistent moisture is important because prolonged drought may cause the roots to become more fibrous. Seeds can germinate slowly and unevenly; soaking them for 24 hours followed by 45 to 60 days of moist cold stratification may improve emergence. They may also be sown directly outdoors in autumn to receive natural winter chilling. Cover the seeds with approximately 5 mm of fine soil. An annual application of mature compost and an organic mulch support growth, conserve moisture, and reduce competition from weeds throughout the season.
In the vegetable garden, Skirret suits perennial edible beds, food gardens, and cool, moist sites that may be less suitable for conventional annual root crops. Harvest the roots after the foliage dies back, generally from late autumn through early spring, then steam, roast, sauté, or add them to soups and stews. Their flavour resembles parsnip but is often milder and sweeter. Summer umbels support pollinating insects, while established crowns may be divided to renew or expand the planting. Combine Skirret with borage, lettuce, celery, or leafy vegetables that also appreciate fertile soil and dependable moisture during active growth.
Sowing
guide
guide
Sowing periodAutumn or late winter after cold stratification
Best time
Spring after the last frost or autumn
Sowing depthApproximately 5 mm
Spacing / density
30 to 45 cm between plants
Germination temperature15 to 20°C after stratification
Germination timeApproximately 15 to 30 days, sometimes longer
Propagation
Stratified seed or crown division
Growing
method
method
Soak the seeds in cool water for 24 hours, then mix them with lightly moist vermiculite and refrigerate them for 45 to 60 days. Sow them approximately 5 mm deep in pots or trays filled with a rich, well-drained medium. Maintain consistent moisture and cool to moderate temperatures. After germination, provide bright light, gradually acclimatize the seedlings, and transplant them into the garden after the last frost, spacing plants 30 to 45 cm apart to allow full crown and root development.
Soil
and care
and care
ExposureFull sun to partial shade
Soil
Deep, rich, loamy to clay, and moist
Soil pHSlightly acidic to neutral, about 6.0 to 7.0
Watering
Regular to keep soil consistently moist
Fertilization
Mature compost in spring and after harvest
Care levelModerate
In spring, remove dry debris, gently loosen the soil surface, and apply mature compost around the crowns. Maintain an organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. During summer, water deeply whenever the upper layer of soil begins to dry, because insufficient moisture may produce fibrous roots. Stake tall flowering stems in exposed sites. In autumn, harvest part of the root cluster after the foliage dies back and replant several vigorous crowns. Divide older clumps every three to four years to renew productivity, improve root quality, and prevent overcrowding within the planting.
Container
growing
growing
Recommended pot size
At least 40 to 50 cm deep
Bloom,
harvest
and garden
harvest
and garden
Skirret provides an edible root harvest without requiring the entire crop to be replanted every year. Its perennial habit, cool-climate tolerance, and preference for moist soil make productive use of garden areas that may be less suitable for annual root vegetables.
Growing Sium sisarum revives a heritage vegetable with a mild, sweet flavour while diversifying the home harvest. A well-established clump can produce for several years, be divided to create new plants, and supply flowers for beneficial pollinators. The roots are harvested during the cool season, when fewer perennial vegetables are available. With deep soil, compost, and dependable moisture, Skirret requires relatively little intervention and integrates easily into productive, long-term edible landscapes.
Garden use
Plant Skirret in a permanent part of the vegetable garden where the soil can be prepared deeply and kept consistently moist. It suits edible borders, perennial vegetable beds, and productive cottage gardens. The foliage forms an attractive clump, while tall white umbels add an airy element and attract beneficial insects. Avoid locating the crowns beside annual crops that require frequent digging or soil disturbance. Combine Skirret with borage, lettuce, celery, and leafy vegetables that also appreciate fertile ground and regular watering throughout active growth.
Bloom period
July to August
Flower colorWhite
Foliage colorGreen
Harvest
Late autumn through early spring
Fruiting
Small aromatic dry fruits held in umbels
Wildlife appealBees, hoverflies, and pollinating insects
Size
and facts
and facts
Height1 to 1.5 m
Spread30 to 45 cm
Maximum heightApproximately 1.5 m
Maximum widthApproximately 45 cm
Growth rateModerate
Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 4 to 8
Minimum temperatureApproximately -20 to -30°C with protection
Foliage typeDeciduous
Papillonstrue
Insectes utilestrue
Planting
partners
partners
Good companions
Borage, lettuce, celery, and leafy vegetables
Avoid planting with
Fennel and plants requiring very dry soil
Recipe
and inspiration
and inspiration
To prepare roasted Skirret, thoroughly wash 500 g of roots and remove any tough central fibres when present. Blanch them for five minutes in salted water, then drain. Heat 30 ml of butter or oil in a frying pan, add one chopped garlic clove and the roots, then cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning regularly until golden. Season with thyme, salt, pepper, and a small amount of honey if desired. Finish with lemon juice and serve alone or alongside other roasted root vegetables.
Frequently asked questions
Sow them outdoors in autumn or in late winter after a 24-hour soak and 45 to 60 days of moist cold stratification. Cover them with approximately 5 mm of medium and maintain consistent moisture because germination may be slow and uneven.
Harvest after the foliage dies back, from late autumn through early spring. The roots are generally most tender during dormancy. Loosen the soil deeply before lifting the clump to reduce breakage, then replant several crowns to maintain the crop.
Its roots have a mild, naturally sweet, aromatic flavour often compared with parsnip or carrot. Some roots may contain a fibrous core that is best removed before cooking. Consistent moisture during growth generally improves tenderness.
Yes. Sium sisarum is a perennial whose crowns can survive for several years in well-drained soil. During harvest, retain and replant several vigorous crowns. Winter mulch is helpful in colder regions, especially where snow cover is unreliable.
The cultivated, correctly identified roots are the primary edible portion and are cooked much like parsnips or carrots. Avoid consuming similar-looking wild plants because several toxic members of the carrot family may be confused with Skirret without certain botanical identification.
The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
