Skirret Seeds

Skirret Seeds - Sium sisarum - Sugar Root

Sium sisarum
Sugar Root

Hardy to Zone 3
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Germination Tested November 22, 2024: 95%

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

$5.00 CAD

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Skirret is a delicious perennial root vegetable in the carrot family. It produces masses of long off-white roots that taste somewhat like a potato crossed with a carrot and a parsnip. They are great roasted, but can also be boiled, fried, stewed, added to soups, or eaten raw grated or out of hand. The roots do not need to be peeled, although most roots have a thin woody core that is easily removed by the diner after cooking. The spring shoots can be eaten, as well as the mature leaves, which taste like celery leaf or parsley.

If started early enough from seed, they can make large enough roots to eat by fall. But for the best harvest wait until the second year at least. Yields will keep increasing after that.

I failed for years to start skirret from seed until I learned that they need variable temperates to germinate. Sow outdoors in early spring when the nights are still cool (freezing is fine) and you should have excellent germination.

To harvest, wait until the top has died back in the fall, then dig up the whole plant. Cut off the largest roots, and replant the rest of the crown. If any offsets have formed around the base, you can pull or cut those off and plant them separately. The main crown can often be divided into multiple new plants using a sharp shovel. Roots can be harvested all winter, and probably all year, although the flavour is probably best from fall-early spring.

Skirret is a "forgotten" crop, which likely fell out of favour because it was difficult to cultivate using modern industrial agriculture methods. But it's very easy to grow for the backyard gardener! It's native to China or Asia more, and was wildly popular in Europe in the middle ages.

Further breeding efforts could focus on larger roots, and getting rid of the woody core that some roots have. But it's already pretty amazing as it is! I've heard rumours of a pink skirret being developed.

Some of this year's seed is grown by my friend, Al Chomica, who operates an incredible nursery just south of my farm in Nanoose called Plants of Worth.

Growing Instructions

Skirret seeds can be challenging to germinate. I recommend sowing outdoors in pots in early spring when night temperatures are still cool (light freezes are fine), but days are warm. It seems that oscillating temperatures are the key to getting these seeds to germinate (cool nights and warm days). Keep the soil moist and they should all germinate within a few weeks as long as it's not too cold.

Some people recommend using a heat mat indoors, but I haven't had great success using that method. If you want to get a jump start on the season, you could try putting the pot in and out of the fridge every day or every few days, perhaps alternating with a heat mat.

Once enough seedlings have come up and they are large enough to handle, plant them in the garden about 1 to 1.5 feet apart.

Growing conditions: Skirret does best in full sun, but part shade may be ok as well. Well drained soil is best, but it seems to do fine in heavy or clay soil as well, as well as swampy soils. Not drought tolerant.

Shipping & Returns

We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, United States for $20, and Internationally for $20*. Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada.

Shipping in Canada

We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-3 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally orders take longer, especially to Ontario and East.

Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery.

Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

Shipping to the US

We now require all US shoppers to obtain a Small Lot Seed Permit before we can mail your seeds. It's free to apply and you will likely be granted the permit instantly. We appreciate if you can email us your permit as soon as you can after your purchase.

How to apply for your Small Seed Lot Import Permit:

Go to https://efile.aphis.usda.gov/s/
Select PPQ-587 in the dropdown menu and click "Get Started".
Login and follow the instructions to obtain a permit. It's best to list "Eligible Taxa" instead of listing all the species you'd like to import so you don't need to worry about missing any species you ordered.
Once you receive your permit, promptly email us 2 documents: a copy of your permit and a copy of the yellow/green shipping labels. Tell us if which USDA station you want us to send the seeds to. If not mentioned we will choose one. Our email is grow@cicadaseeds.ca
We are not able to send any pepper or tomato seeds, or any live plant materials to the US due to restrictions.

After receiving your documentation, we will mail your seeds to the inspection facility. We will ship via tracked parcel, and you will receive the tracking number when your order has shipped. Orders will be mailed first to a plant inspection facility in the US, then they forward the package on to your address after inspection. This can take several weeks, depending on how long the inspection takes. Unfortunately we are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs, or for any duties or tariffs placed on your order.

Shipping Internationally

International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.

International shipping countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option.

If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.

*Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars.