Skirret Sium sisarum
Skirret (Sium sisarum) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Apiaceae family, native to Eastern Europe to China (wet meadows). It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Skirret at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: clustered roots (sweet, parsnip-like) |
| Native to | Eastern Europe to China (wet meadows) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Skirret toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the roots have a woody core in older plants.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Skirret
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Skirret
- How far apart should I plant Skirret?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Skirret need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Skirret need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Skirret?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Skirret flower?
- From about July for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Skirret poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the roots have a woody core in older plants.
- What grows well with Skirret?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Skirret. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A bunch of finger-thick white roots from one crown; lift in autumn and replant side shoots. A favourite Tudor and Stuart root vegetable before the potato. Needs constantly moist soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum