Description
It’s a sunflower above soil and an edible tuber beneath!
Description
A staple food from the Americas, these plants grow vigorously through Summer. They produce multiple bright yellow flowers on stalks that can reach 5 meters in height. Underground they produce a crop of rhizomes that look similar to ginger and can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways. One plant will easily produce dozens of tubers which can be harvested once the plant dies back in Winter. unopened flower buds can also be eaten boiled or roasted, and taste similar to squash. Bright yellow flowers attract beneficial insects and dead stalks can provide habitat for native solitary bees.
Care
Chose a sunny position where the plant can be watered through Summer. Tolerant of most soil conditions however will produce larger and smoother tubers in a well draining soil with plenty of organic matter incorporated. Plant so that the top of the soil block is 5 – 10 cm under the soil and water daily for the first two weeks to help the plant get established. Mulch is recommended. Stalks generally do not require staking. This plant can be interplanted with vining plants such as beans or cucumbers which will use the stalks as a trellis.
