Polymnia sonchifolia
earth apple
A rhizomatous perennial usually grown as an annual to provide an edible crop of tuberous roots which are mildly sweet, crisp and juicy. Large, triangular leaves are borne on stems up to 1.5m tall and small, yellow, daisy-like flowers are borne from late summer into early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A genus of rhizomatous flowering perennials, native to South America, with bushy green foliage and daisy-like yellow flowers. Some cultivars are grown as vegetables, with the potato-like tubers tasting similar to a pear with a texture like water chestnuts
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in a fertile, moist but well drained soil in full sun with shelter from strong winds to prevent damage to the leaves. Plant outside only when the risk of frost has passed.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by cuttings or by division of rhizomes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildews
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.