The yellow nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus ) is a tuber, a root vegetable, which is also called yellow nutsedge, ground acorn, ground almond or ground hazelnut, which is native to southern Europe and North Africa (it grows spontaneously in Corsica and Provence). The plant is a perennial by its tubers (in mild climates) but it is grown as an annual.
Hermaphrodite flowers with red spikelets can appear from August to November but it is quite rare outside the Mediterranean climate. However, the flowering shows the family resemblance with the false papyrus of our houses.
Small brown tubers clump together at the roots, at the base of the stems and these are the ones that are eaten: they are the size of a hazelnut, are a little elongated and scaly, as if wrinkled. Their taste is reminiscent of almond, hazelnut and peanut at the same time: they are eaten raw or cooked. Attention, the tiger nut is very rich in fat besides the Italians draw a table oil from it!
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Type: perennial grown as an annual
- Origin: North Africa, Mediterranean Europe
- Color: white flowers in spikes
- Sowing: no
- Cutting: yes
- Planting: April-May
- Harvest: October
- Height: 20 to 40 cm
Ideal soil and exposure for planting yellow nutsedge in the vegetable garden
Yellow nutsedge needs light, fresh, rich, humus-rich soil that has received good compost beforehand. Given the origin of yellow nutsedge, it needs heat and good sunshine.
Date of planting and division of yellow nutsedge
Yellow nutsedge is propagated by planting tubers or dividing clumps, from mid-April to mid-May, keeping about 30 cm between each plant. You will put 3 to 6 tubers in each pocket that you will cover with 3 cm of soil. Space the rows 40 cm apart. A few weeks are needed before emergence.
It is advisable to soak the tubers in water for half a day before planting them because they are sometimes a little capricious.
Tips for the care and cultivation of yellow nutsedge
When hoeing be careful not to damage the new growth around the clumps. If the weather is very hot and drought threatens, water deeply rather than frequently.
Some hill slightly the clumps when the feet reach about fifteen centimeters.
Harvesting, conservation and use of yellow nutsedge
Yellow nutsedge is harvested with a spade fork around October, before the foliage is completely dried out by frost. Shake them to loosen the soil and let them dry in the sun for a few days. You will then keep them away from light and humidity.
Check out Gartendek.lt to descover more about cultivating plants in raised garden beds.
