These plants from South America are related to sunflowers. Their leaves are edible, but they are mostly grown for their roots which are are suprisingly crunchy, juicy, sweet and refreshing eaten raw, but can also be added to stir fries, salads or roasted. They get their sweetness from inulin (which some people may find has a laxative effect), so do not cause spikes in blood glucose. Easy to grow and propogate. Like lots of rain and sunshine, but can grow well in partial shade.
Sold as two to three growing tips in the winter/spring which should give you at least one plant. In following years, when you dig up the tubers, you should end up with 3-7 new growing tips which then can be planted up to make new plants. In a few years you could have a large colony!
As soon as you take the growing tips home, but them in small pots with damp compost. They will start to grow roots. As soon as the risk of frost is over (in May), plant them out in the garden. You can also experiment with immediately replanting the tips as you harvest the tubers. Make sure there is a thick layer of mulch on top to protect them from frosts.
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