Bunium bulbocastanum
Bunium bulbocastanum · Apiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant bunium bulbocastanum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Summer (June-July)
- Mature size
- 30 to 50 cm tall
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean, Western Asia
- Preferred soil
- Well-draining, light, fertile
Care
Soil
Earthnut thrives in light, well-draining, fertile soil, ideally sandy or loamy. It dislikes stagnant moisture and root suffocation. Adding mature compost when planting helps it establish.
Sunlight
Place it in full sun for optimal growth and better tuber production. It tolerates light shade but may become leggy and develop poorly in woodland conditions.
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season (spring-summer), without excess. Once established, it's fairly drought-tolerant. Reduce watering in autumn when foliage yellows.
Feeding
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring stimulates growth. Avoid excess nitrogen, which favors foliage at the expense of tubers. Rich compost is usually sufficient.
Maintenance and pruning
Little pruning is needed. Clean up dead foliage in autumn after senescence. Harvest tubers in September-October when foliage begins to yellow, as needed.
Diseases and pests
Generally hardy and rarely troubled by pests. In overly wet soils, watch for rot. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Earthnut has been cultivated since antiquity in the Mediterranean and Asia: its tiny tubers, hazelnut-sized, were prized as tasty tubers. Its scientific name Bunium refers to the ancient Greek word, while bulbocastanum literally means 'bulbous chestnut', an ancient taste comparison.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.