CROSNES

Stachys affinis

Expecting to harvest in November 2026!

This very peculiar species from China produces sweet aromatic tuberous roots with the crisp texture of water chestnuts. The tubers are edible and delicious both raw and cooked and they make fantastic pickles. The plants are hardy and easy to grow, requiring very little aside from loose soil and ample water.

Though photos abound of these plants blooming in spectacular fashion, they have never done so for us. The plants are actually inconspicuous, growing to just over 1'. Foliage is a lovely shade of green, and easily recognized as a member of the Lamiaceae family, but otherwise these plants draw no attention, nor do they shade or crowd out other species. Ours were companions to a patch of White Delight Strawberries for years.

Crosnes can be planted into the garden anytime before the soil freezes. Just tuck them a few inches below the surface of the soil, at least 1' apart. Done. If your soil is frozen they can be potted up and kept in a cold barn or basement. They can also be kept in the refrigerator until spring, but take care to keep them from drying out, and check frequently for mold. We highly recommend planting them or potting them immediately. Or, if you feel like it, you can just wash and eat them.

Hardy to at least zone 5. The plants are not frost tender in the least. Waiting to harvest after several hard freezes, but before the ground is impenetrable, is ideal.

Each packet contains at least 10 small crosnes. Spaced generously in the garden, each of these crosnes will produce a plant that produces a dozen or so in the first year. Fertile soil and consistent moisture will see them produce even more.

The crosnes we sell are those that we grow and harvest ourselves. We don't use any herbicides or pesticides, not even organic ones. We love bugs and eat the weeds.

Packet contains at least 10 crosnes.