Anyone for Rampion?

[veggiechicken]

Very few mentions of Rampion on the Vine, yet it sounds like a "must grow".
Leaves used as spinach, roots like a long white radish & treated like asparagus (whatever that means) or raw in salads when young and tender. Leave it overwinter and use the roots in stews and it has a beautiful purple flower.
Also, Rapunzel of the incredibly long hair was named after it, having been given up to a witch after her father was caught stealing rampion from the witch's garden
So, why aren't we all growing it? What's wrong with it?
I have the seeds and I'm about to sow

[alldigging]

Does look pretty!

[hamamelis]

I'm trying it this year too! Already planted some.

Only problem is, I have no idea what the seedlings are supposed to look like, so I don't know if they're germinating or not...

[Dotty Sarah]

It sounds like a vey usefull plant, meant to have medicinal uses as well:

'Some affirme that the decoction of the roots are good for all inflammation of the mouth and almonds of the throte and other diseases happening in the mouth and throte, as the other Throte warts.'

[Dusty Rhodes]

Rapunzel of the incredibly long hair was named after it, having been given up to a witch after her father was caught stealing rampion from the witch's garden
So, why aren't we all growing it? What's wrong with it?
I have the seeds and I'm about to sow

I tend to stay away from witch's gardens...the one-eyed newt warned me about them

[mothhawk]

That grows wild where I used to live. We just called it bellflower - didn't know you could eat it.

[wizzbang]

Ive just done a picture search for it and it isn't at all like I expected it to be. I was expecting to see something like a spring cabbage or chard but its just like a pretty flower.
Not big or leafy at all.
Lynne x

[Martin H]

Dammit, now you've got me singing "Rampion, the Wonder Horse!" to myself over and over.

Looks tasty and easy to grow. Haven't seen the seeds on the rack at the local garden centre though.

[kathycam]

I'm tempted, but not got round to getting seeds yet. I dont think you get the pretty flowers until the second year. I'm growing earth chestnuts this year, anyone tried those?

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

I have some Rampion seeds that were sent as a freebie on a seed order from a Polish ebay seller. It was a while back so not sure if they are viable still. Nothing ventured an all that, I'll dig em out if I remember.

[mrswadders]

they look really good, should think i've missed the boat this year though,kathy the ground chesnuts look good too, definately 2 to try

[veggiechicken]

My seed packet (Pennard) says "Broadcast seeds in situ Late summer into Autumn with winter protection, harvest Feb onwards. OR sow early spring & harvest Late summer. Full sun or partial shade. Ht 30-40 cms, prefers compact soils. Harvest root first year or leave to flower.
The seed is like dust - not one to broadcast sow on a windy day!!
I'm going to try a pinch in a pot now and again in the Autumn.

Kathy - I haven't tried Earth Chestnuts but they're on my shopping list!! Let us know how they turn out!

[dandalady]

might give rampion a go. sounds good-- like you should roll the rrrr. let us know how the earth chestnuts do

[mrswadders]

My seed packet (Pennard) says "Broadcast seeds in situ Late summer into Autumn with winter protection, harvest Feb onwards. OR sow early spring & harvest Late summer. Full sun or partial shade. Ht 30-40 cms, prefers compact soils. Harvest root first year or leave to flower.
The seed is like dust - not one to broadcast sow on a windy day!!
I'm going to try a pinch in a pot now and again in the Autumn.

mmm sounds like one for the autumn/winter when theres a bit more empty space, just seen them on the 'Franchi' italian seeds site

[kathycam]

Oh no, I may have to order some to try. i'll update on the earth chestnuts, I may be moving so the allotment stuff is a little up in the air!