Apios americana AKA Groundnut

[zazen999]

I have Planetologist to thank for this!

If he's not around perhaps someone else might know.

I sowed these in January and of course I now have 3 2ft tall [well, long] vines in the bathroom.

It's too cold to put them outside yet, even in a poly so I am contemplating potting all 3 into a big pot, and nipping out above the first bud, and putting a frame in the pot for them to wind around.

Any other ideas? Apparently they are hardy to Zone 3 but I don't want to lose them. Zone 3 means to -30 deg F ish...but they look too delicate and have been indoors so far...

Am I stuck with a beasty in the bathroom for the next few weeks?

[Nicos]

Am I stuck with a beasty in the bathroom for the next few weeks?

..you might want to rephrase that gal!!!

[zazen999]

..you might want to rephrase that gal!!!

You haven't seen it!

[sir david]

are we talking peanuts here ?

David

[zazen999]

No. That's why I used the Apios Americana in the title.

Peanuts are also known as groundnuts; these grow beans and edible tubers.

[sir david]

ah this one seems interesting
Stalking the Wild Groundnut | Orion Magazine

David

[veggiechicken]

This one Apios americana Ground Nut PFAF Plant Database
Never heard of it before Zaz. We'll need regular reports on its progress

[zazen999]

No problem; it will be going into an area at the new gardens; once I work out the best place for it!

[binley100]

Sounds like it's progressing up the wall to escape out the window to me .......

[zazen999]

You might not be far from the truth there.

[hellybore]

Hello Zaz, was wondering how did you get on with the groundnut? Did you get to eat any? I have just bought a tuber and am intrigued to know what they are like!

[shushkin!]

Yes, I would really appreciate an update to. I have just dug up my sole plant and want to make sure I can successfully overwinter it.

[johnjohn]

As this thread has been revived I'm interested in seeing some photo's! Anything from you Zazen? How about you hellybore and shushkin?

[snohare]

I totally missed this thread first time around. How fascinating !
Grows well in conjunction with JA's... up to eight pounds of tubers per plant...damn, this is interesting ! I really want to try these...even allowing for the potential allergen effect (which is common to many plants of course), it sounds like an excellent famine food.
Go on Zaz, let us know if you are planning having any with your Christmas dinner...

[planetologist]

I also missed the posts in March, must have been in the garden then.

it sounds like an excellent famine food

Indeed. It's a trouble free plant, doesn't take up much space, and interesting to be able to grow something like a yam outdoors in the UK, but don't count on it producing significant amounts of food.