Stachys affinis
Knollenziest
Common names: Crosne, Japanese potato, Earthworm chicory
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Stachys affinis, known in German as Knollenziest, Crosne, Japanese potato, and Erdartischocke, produces small, spiral‑shaped tubers underground that resemble tiny caterpillars. The plant is native to East Asia and is cultivated mainly for its edible tubers, which taste mild, slightly nutty, and have a texture similar to a blend of water chestnut and Jerusalem artichoke. Above ground, the perennial grows in a bushy form up to about 40 cm tall, bearing inconspicuous purplish‑pink flowers.
Care instructions
Plant the tubers in mid‑April (week 16 to 17) once the soil has warmed, about 8 to 10 cm deep in loose, humus‑rich soil. The plant prefers a sunny to semi‑shaded spot with even moisture, though it tolerates brief dry periods well. During summer, occasional watering and keeping the bed weed‑free is sufficient. Harvest from October through winter, ideally after the first light frosts when the tubers become more aromatic. Leaving a few tubers in the ground allows the plant to regrow the following spring.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, nutrient-rich, loamy
Feeding
Medium feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
particularly well establishedYou will find that basil next to tomato and pepper improves taste and keeps whiteflies and aphids away.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 9 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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