Chinese Artichoke, Stachys affinis, 10 Tubers
Chinese Artichokes are an easy to grow herbaceous perennial with delicious, small, white tubers. It forms a thick, beautiful ground cover
Common Names: Chinese Artichoke, Crosnes
Latin name: Stachys affinis
Other Names: Chorogi
Family: Lamiaceae
Type: Perennial herbaceous plant
Zone Compatibility: 5-9
Light Requirements: prefers full sun
Moisture Requirements: moderate, mesic. They can die back if the soil is allowed to dry out for too long.
Growth Habit: spread indefinitely forming a thick mat
Roots: Rhizomatous
Height: 18”
Growth Rate: medium, fast
Native: China
Edible Parts: Tubers: Can be eaten cooked or raw, where they are similar to water chestnuts. They became popularized by their inclusion in gourmet french cuisine.
Edibility Season:
Other Uses: Provides nectar for beneficial insects, ground cover
Difficulty Level: Very easy to grow
Pests: Moles and voles.
Planting: Plant outside anytime of year, 3 inches deep, and 12 inches apart to establish a stand. There will be enough tubers accidentally left behind after harvesting to maintain the stand.
Maintenance: When foliage reaches over a foot tall, it can be cut back to 6 inches to encourage the growth of larger tubers. Maintain soil moisture levels for optimum root growth.
Harvesting: They are usually harvested in autumn after the foliage turns brown, although they can be dug up any time of year, when the tubers are mature.
Storage: In the soil, or in bags at temperatures between 35-40F