We proudly research, grow, and write about our plants by hand. Descriptions are based on our experience as well as information gathered from reputable sources: books, periodicals, and select websites. Should you have questions beyond what is listed please email or call.

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Green skirret (Sium sisarum) plants with white flowers in a natural setting
skirret (Sium sisarum) plants in the garden setting
Bunch of skirret (Sium sisarum) roots held by a person against a gray background

Sium sisarum | skirret

Regular price
$8.99
Regular price
Sale price
$8.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Grown from seed in living soil without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or carbon fuels.

ships fall 2026


Skirret (Sium sisarum) is a perennial root vegetable related to carrots and parsnips. We grow it because it is a beautiful, easy care umbellifer that puts out masses of white blooms late in the season. And, of course, because it is edible. Tender young leaves can be eaten in spring and the root bunch can be harvested (and replanted) in fall. This root vegetable has been in cultivation for over 1,000 years and has fallen in and out of favor over the centuries.  

For a longer write-up including harvest pictures, recipes, and how-to's, check out A Food Forest in your Garden

Zones: 3 to 9
FamilyApiaceae
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 12 to 36 in.
Spread: 12 to 18 in.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil: moist, well-drained
Bloom Time: July to August
Native Range: E. Central & SE. Europe to SW. Siberia and N. Afghanistan

I2-e

Special Characteristics
  • Edible
image credits

succulentserenityCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
MalteCC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
succulentserenity, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Green skirret (Sium sisarum) plants with white flowers in a natural setting
skirret (Sium sisarum) plants in the garden setting
Bunch of skirret (Sium sisarum) roots held by a person against a gray background

Ordering information

Preorders

You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for fall 2026 shipping. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded.

We will resume shipping as soon as temperatures cool in our location and yours. This can range from the beginning of September for northern locations to the end of October for hot locations (Texas). 

We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.

Shipping

Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.

  • 4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
  • 1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
  • trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent
  • seeds: $6.75 or free with orders over $15.00

We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.

Read more about our shipping policies here.

Nursery pick up

We will email you to schedule a day and time to collect your plants when they are ready in spring. Generally, plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Plant Sizes

We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:

  • 4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
  • 2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
  • 1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)

Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.

Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.

Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.

Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.

Read all about our sustainable practices here.

view this plant in our garden

Sium sisarum | skirret |

seedling image

Sium sisarum | skirret

We are slowly creating a seedling image library to help make weeding easier.