This magnificent Gourmet Roots Collection brings you a selection of four tasty root vegetables that are easy to grow, as well as being a bit different to the normally grown varieties in UK gardens. These veg, packed full of nutrition, vitamins and minerals, make for a great substitute for potatoes without the stress of the dreaded potato blight. Gourmet Roots Collection comprises 12 x 12cm Super Plugs 3 of each of the following varieties: Chinese Artichoke, Jerusalem Artichoke Papas , Oca Giggles and Yacon Inca Red.
Growing Information
Grow plugs on in cool but frost-free conditions and plant out when all danger of frost has passed.
Chinese Artichoke – Plant in rows about 30cm apart in a sunny position with moist, well-drained soil which has been amended with plenty of organic matter. Protect young plants against slug damage. Water well during dry periods. Weed regularly to avoid competition but take care not to damage the tubers. Remove any flower spikes to concentrate energy into tuber production. Harvest from late October as and when you need them. Top growth will be killed by frost, but the tubers are hardy. Leave some in the ground to provide the following years crop.
Jerusalem Artichoke ‘Papas’ – Plant 30cm (12") apart, leave 90cm (3') between rows. Simply cut the stems down when they have been blackened by the frost and harvest. Leave some tubers in the ground for next years harvest.
Oca ‘Giggles’ – Perennial grown as an annual in Northern hemispheres. Frost sensitive, plant out in late May allowing 90cm (36”) between each plant. Harvest tubers in late November when top growth has died but before the first heavy ground frosts as tubers will rot. Protect with fleece to extend the season as flavour improves the longer tubers are left. Dry harvested tubers on a sunny window sill.
Yacon ‘Inca Red’ – Plant outside in late May allowing 90cm (36”) between each plant. Cut the leaves back to about 4 inches above the crowns and lift whole plant with a fork. Separate the crowns from the tubers. The crowns are frost tender – pot up and grow on in a frost-free place to plant early next year. Brush the soil off tubers and leave in sun to dry for up to two weeks.
