Overview
Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce, commonly known as Chinese artichoke or crosne, is a perennial plant from the mint family Lamiaceae. Originally from China, it is widely cultivated in Japan, Europe, and North America for its edible tubers. The plant has a delicate appearance, with slender stems and small pinkish-white flowers.Appearance
Chinese artichoke has a delicate appearance, the stem is slender and can grow up to 60cm tall. The leaves are oblong to ovate, measuring 3-8cm long and 1-3cm wide, with serrated edges. The foliage forms a basal rosette from which the flowering stems emerge. The flowers are small, pinkish-white, and emerge in clusters on upright spikes. The plant's roots are knobby and tuberous, resembling cassava or ginger. The tubers vary in size, measuring up to 5cm long and 1cm thick.Uses
Chinese artichoke has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries in China and Japan. The tubers are edible and have a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, similar to water chestnuts or Jerusalem artichokes. They are often served raw in salads, or pickled in vinegar and sugar. The tubers can also be roasted, boiled, stir-fried or added to soups and stews. In traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese artichoke is believed to have medicinal properties and is used to treat digestive disorders, relieve coughs, and reduce inflammation. The plant has also been used as a herbal remedy for centuries in Japan.Cultivation
Chinese artichoke is a hardy and adaptable plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types and climates. It prefers full or partial sunlight and regular watering but can tolerate dry spells. The plant is propagated via the tubers, which are planted in the spring or fall. The crop takes around six months to mature and can be harvested from late fall to early winter. The plant can be invasive, and the tubers can be difficult to harvest, making it a challenging crop to cultivate commercially.Light Requirements
Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce thrives in partial shade to full sun environments with plenty of light. It is categorized as a sun-loving plant, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to flourish. However, it can tolerate some shade as well, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
As a perennial plant, Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce does well in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Although it can tolerate extreme temperatures, it grows best in moderate conditions. In regions with colder winters, the plant may go dormant in the winter and regrow in the spring.
Soil Requirements
Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0-7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, soil that is too compact or heavy can prevent the plant from growing properly. Adding organic matter, such as compost or leaf litter, to the soil can enrich it and improve drainage.
Cultivation methods for Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce
Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce can be cultivated to grow in a moist, well-draining soil mixture with a neutral pH range. The plant should be positioned in a location that receives ample sunlight but is protected from the harsh mid-day sun.
The plant is tough and quite low maintenance, so it should not be over-watered, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. They adapt well to frequent humidity and rainfall.
Watering needs for Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce
The plant prefers to remain moist, and the soil should be regularly watered to aid in growth. However, the plant should not be over-watered, or its roots may begin to decompose and die. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between each watering session.
In the winter months, when the plant is dormant, the plant may require less watering, and its watering schedule should be adjusted accordingly.
Fertilization for Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce
The plant should be fertilized annually to help support its growth and development. It is best to use a liquid fertilizer and apply it to the soil around the base of the plant during the growing season. The plant should not be fertilized during the winter months when it is dormant.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant. An excessive amount of fertilizer can damage the plant and cause it to become susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning for Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce
The plant requires very little pruning, and only old or damaged foliage and flowers should be removed. To encourage the plant to grow bushier, it can be pinched back when in its growing phase.
The plant naturally adopts an upright growth habit and typically does not require any staking or trellising. However, the plant may require some minor structural support in the early stages of its growth if it appears to be top-heavy.
Propagation of Stachys Glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce
Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce can be propagated through various methods. Below are some of the most common propagation methods for this plant:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the easiest and most common methods of propagating Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors and transplanted later. It is recommended to stratify seeds for at least one month in order to ensure germination. This can be done by placing the seeds in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 30-60 days prior to sowing.
Division
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce. This method involves digging up the plant and dividing the root clump into smaller pieces. Each piece should have at least one healthy shoot and root system. These divisions can then be planted in their desired location and cared for like any other plant.
Cuttings
Stachys glandulosa Hutch. & E.A.Bruce can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer, while hardwood cuttings can be taken in the fall. The cuttings should be around 3-4 inches in length and taken from healthy parent plants. These cuttings can then be rooted in a potting mix and transplanted to their desired location once they have developed a strong root system.
Layering
Layering is a propagation method that involves bending a low-hanging stem of the parent plant to the ground and covering it with soil until roots form. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to its desired location. This method can take some time, but it is a good way to create new plants without damaging the parent plant.
Disease Management
Stachys glandulosa may be susceptible to a range of diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. Common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes small, dark lesions to form on the leaves, which can eventually cause them to fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide if necessary.
- Crown rot: This disease affects the roots and base of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage crown rot, remove infected plants and avoid over-watering the soil.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Stachys glandulosa may also be affected by a range of pests. Common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, remove them manually or apply an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests also feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, apply a miticide to the affected areas.
- Leafhoppers: These insects cause yellowing and curling of the leaves and can also transmit diseases to the plant. To manage leafhoppers, remove them manually or apply an insecticide as necessary.
To prevent the spread of diseases and pests, it is important to keep the area around the plant clean and remove any dead or diseased plant material. Regular inspection of the plant can also help to catch any issues early, before they become more serious.
