Skirret Seeds (Sium sisarum)
 
Ancient Root Vegetable • Medieval Favorite • Sweet, Edible Tubers
 
Skirret is a nearly forgotten ancient root vegetable with a long culinary history in Europe, prized for its sweet, aromatic white roots that were once considered a delicacy. Grown and eaten since medieval times, skirret was beloved for its flavor, often described as a cross between parsnip and carrot with a hint of sweetness and its ability to produce multiple edible roots from a single plant.
 
This elegant perennial forms clumps of slender, branching roots beneath the soil and delicate umbels of white flowers above. Unlike many root crops, skirret improves with time, producing larger harvests in subsequent years when left undisturbed.
 
Plant Type

Perennial root vegetable
Grown for sweet, edible tubers
USDA Growing Zones 5-11
Can be grown as a perennial in mild climates or harvested annually in colder regions (zones 2-4)
Suitable for Zones 12–13 when grown in cooler seasons
Full sun to partial shade
Appreciates some afternoon shade in warm climates
 
Why Grow Skirret?
Ancient, historically cultivated food crop
Sweet, tender roots prized since medieval times
Produces multiple roots per plant
Excellent for permaculture and food forests
Attractive flowering habit that supports pollinators
 
 Culinary Use
Skirret roots are traditionally boiled, roasted, or sautéed. Cooking enhances their natural sweetness and brings out their delicate flavor. Roots are typically harvested after the first year, with flavor improving in subsequent seasons.
 
A Plant with History
Skirret was widely grown in Europe before potatoes became dominant, frequently mentioned in historical kitchen gardens and monastery plots. Today, it’s enjoying a quiet revival among growers seeking heritage foods and resilient perennial crops.
 
Basic Growing Information
Botanical Name: Sium sisarum
Common Name: Skirret
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil
Water: Regular moisture; do not allow soil to dry out completely
Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
Harvest: Roots harvested after 1st year; improves with age
 
If you’re looking to grow something rare, edible, and steeped in history, skirret is a beautiful and rewarding addition to the garden.
 
This is for 20 seeds. 
 
We combine shipping on all seed orders, you pay one flat fee for as many seeds as you would like for no additional shipping. Orders over $35 for any combination of items ship for free to the US