Overview

Tropaeolum tuberosum is a tuberous perennial in the genus Tropaeolum, part of the Tropaeolaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Tropaeolum tuberosum grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include edible tubers. It is native to Ecuador.

About

Tropaeolum tuberosum is a tuberous perennial grown for its edible tubers. It reaches about 2.0 m in height and prefers a sunny position. It flowers from June to September. Plant in sandy or loamy ground that remains moist but is well drained, and expect hardy behaviour to H5 in the UK.

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About the genus

Tropaeolum, commonly known as nasturtium, is a genus of roughly 80 species of annual and perennial herbaceous flowering plants. It was named by Carl Linnaeus in his book Species Plantarum and is the only genus in the family Tropaeolaceae. The nasturtiums received their common name because they produce an oil similar to that of watercress.

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In the garden

Tropaeolum tuberosum belongs to the Tropaeolaceae and is native to Ecuador; it is cultivated chiefly for its edible tubers. In the UK it produces a substantial upright plant to around 2.0 m and will flower between June and September. The tubers are the principal reason for growing it rather than any short-lived floral display. Choose a permanently sunny site and a sandy or loamy soil that stays moist but drains freely. The species is rated H5 for UK hardiness, which means it is hardy in most parts of Britain provided soils do not remain waterlogged over winter; USDA zones 7–10 give an equivalent picture for milder climates. Give plants space so soil around the tubers does not compact and avoid heavy clay that holds water. Use Tropaeolum tuberosum where you want a sun-loving, tuber-producing perennial in a productive bed or larger container with good drainage. Its value lies in the edible roots, so position it where you can lift or manage the tubers when needed. In a mixed plot it performs best alongside other sun-requiring vegetables rather than in deep shade.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Tropaeolum

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Tropaeolum tuberosum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

tuberous perennial

Height

2.0 m

Suggested uses

edible tubers

Native to

Ecuador

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Tropaeolum tuberosum

Cultivation

Grown from tubers; prefers well-drained soil and full sun; tolerant of poor soils; requires moderate watering

Propagation

Propagation by tubers

Frequently asked questions