Cyperus esculentus
Earth almond
Common names: Chufa, Earth almond grass
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Earth almond (Cyperus esculentus) is a sun-loving sedge from the Mediterranean that produces sweet, nut‑like underground tubers. In Spain these tubers are traditionally used to make Horchata de Chufa. The plant has narrow, reed‑like leaves and grows in a horchata‑like pattern on loose, sandy soil. In Central Europe the wild form is considered a persistent weed that spreads aggressively via its tubers, so it should be confined to a pot or a bed with a root barrier. The plant is harmless to children and pets; only its vigorous spread requires attention.
Care instructions
Plant the tubers from mid‑May (week 20) in a sunny, protected bed or, preferably, in a deep pot with a root barrier to prevent uncontrolled spread. Use loose, sandy, well‑draining soil; heavy, clay soils can be loosened with sand beforehand. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially in the first weeks after planting, but avoid waterlogging. Harvest begins in October when the foliage turns yellow; dig up the tubers carefully with a garden fork, preferably removing them completely to prevent unwanted sprouts the following year. Monitor the soil the next year and remove any remaining tubers to stop further spread.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, sandy, moist, nutrient-rich
Feeding
Medium feeder
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