Stachys affinis - Chinese Artichoke - €8 per plant  
Tubers multipack - 20 tubers for 60 EUR 

Stachys affinis, is a unique addition to the vegetable garden. While not a true artichoke, it offers a delicious and crunchy tuber enjoyed by many. This herbaceous perennial grows up to 40 centimeters tall, featuring attractive square stems and pointed leaves.The plant is cold hardy thriving in zones 5 to 8 and preferring well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. While it tolerates average moisture, consistent watering will optimize tuber production. Relatively low maintenance, this unique plant offers a fun and rewarding addition to your garden. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: E. Asia - China, Japan
  • native habitat: Wet and submersed areas
  • family: Lamiaceae 
E. Asia - China, Japan.

Predators

  • no experience of any pests or predators 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full Sun
  • soil pH: acid-neutral -basic alkaline and can grow in very alkaline soils
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
  • Prefers moist soil

Known hazards 

  • None known

Overview

  • It is in flower in June to August
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade
  • It prefers moist soil

Characteristics

  • form:  Herbaceous perennial
  • Layer: Ground layer
  • habit: clumping and spreading 
  • height x width (m): 0.4 x 0.5

Products 

  • Produces edible tubers, also known as crosnes, that resemble elongated potato knots and range from 3-8 centimeters long best harvested in fall or early spring after the first frost.
  • The dried and powdered root is anodyne. The entire plant has been used in the treatment of colds and pneumonia.

Functions, behaviours

  • It prefers well-drained, moist soil in areas with partial to full shade.
  • While it can tolerate full sun, keeping the soil consistently moist is crucial in such conditions.​
  • Yields are about 1kg per square metre

Polyculture Partners -
See our polyculture profile, Berries Tubers and Shoots that features this plant.   

Picture

    If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
    Balkan Ecology Project