About
A herbaceous perennial that was a popular root vegetable before potatoes where introduced into Britain. The white roots are harvested when the plant is dormant (autumn to early spring) and taste like a mixture of sweet carrots and parsnips. It can also be used as an ornamental plant, with umbels of small white flowers in summer.
About the genus
Sium is a diverse genus of plants that may be annual, perennial, or woody. Species are cultivated for their flowers, foliage, or architectural habit and are adapted to various climatic conditions
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toEurope E Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moisture-retentive, deep, fertile soil in a sunny position. Water during dry spells if roots are to be harvested and eaten. Lift and divide clumps when dormant (between November and March), replanting some sections and keeping the rest to eat
PruningCut back stems before lifting to harvest roots, or in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworm. Roots may be eaten by voles
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free