Chinese Artichoke

Chinese Artichoke – A Unique Culinary Delight for Your Garden

Transform your garden and kitchen with Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis) also known as Crosnes, Japanese Artichoke, or Knotroot,, a rare and intriguing perennial tuber that adds beauty to your beds and depth to your dishes. Native to East Asia, this plant is celebrated for its crisp, nutty, and slightly sweet tubers that bring flavor and texture to a variety of recipes.

Bag of 10 tubers

What Makes Chinese Artichoke Special?

• Distinctive Appearance: The creamy white, spiral-shaped tubers are as charming as they are delicious.
• Versatile Culinary Use: Perfect for stir-fries, pickling, salads, or as a crunchy raw snack.
• Nutritional Value: Low in calories and rich in fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
• Hardy Perennial: Thrives in Zones 5-9 and produces tubers year after year with minimal maintenance.

Planting and Growing Options

Chinese Artichoke is versatile and can be started in a greenhouse for an early head start. Plant the tubers in pots filled with loose, well-draining soil. Once the plants have established themselves, transplant them into your garden when the weather is suitable. This method is ideal for gardeners in colder regions or those who want to give their plants a strong start.

Alternatively, you can plant the tubers directly in your garden bed in spring or fall. Both methods yield vigorous growth and a bountiful harvest.

Storing Tubers Until Planting

If you’re not planting immediately, store your tubers properly to keep them fresh and viable:

• Cool Environment: Keep them in a dark, cool place (32°F-40°F) like a refrigerator or root cellar.
• Moisture Retention: Store tubers in damp sand, sawdust, or peat moss to prevent drying out.
• Regular Checks: Inspect for firmness and discard any that show signs of rot or mold.

When stored correctly, tubers can remain viable for weeks or even months.

Growing Instructions

1. Planting Time: Spring or fall in well-draining soil with full to partial sun. They will tolerate light frost.
2. Spacing: Plant 4-6 inches apart to allow room for tuber growth.
3. Care: Water consistently to keep the soil moist, especially during the growing season.
4. Harvest: Ready to harvest in late fall after the foliage dies back.

Why Choose Our Chinese Artichoke?

Our tubers are freshly harvested to ensure high viability and robust growth. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Chinese Artichoke is an easy-to-grow plant that rewards you with its unique harvest year after year.