Chinesische Yamswurzel / Lichtwurzel / Nagaimo / Brotwurz

Cultivation Break

Season Overview

Description

The Chinese yam is a fascinating climbing plant that plays a special role in both ornamental gardens and self-sufficiency. Originally from East Asia, it captivates in summer with its rapid growth and decorative, heart-shaped leaves, which quickly form a dense, green screen on trellises. Particularly characteristic are the small, edible tubers that grow in the leaf axils and can be harvested directly in autumn like mini potatoes. However, the actual heart of the plant is hidden deep in the earth. The taproots, which can grow up to one meter long, have snow-white flesh and a pleasantly mild, nutty flavor. The light root is extremely versatile in the kitchen: whether grated raw in salads, steamed, fried, or as an ingredient in soups, it always retains its fine texture. Beyond its culinary merits, it is particularly highly valued in anthroposophical nutrition, as it is said to have a special ability to store light energy. Lichtwurzel is surprisingly easy to grow and robust. It is winter-hardy in our latitudes and sprouts reliably from the ground every spring, provided that the soil is deep and loose enough to allow the root to grow deep. This makes it the ideal choice for gardeners who want to combine an aesthetic climbing plant with real culinary value.

Growing tips

The trick with the loose soil The biggest obstacle to light rooting is harvesting. In heavy clay soil, the long, brittle root almost always breaks off. Sandy soil: Mix sand into the soil to keep it loose. The trench trick: Dig a trench about 60-80 cm deep and fill it with a mixture of compost and plenty of sand. Plant the nodules on top of this "soft" track. Box or tub cultivation: Many professionals grow the light root in tall wooden boxes (similar to raised beds, only narrower and deeper), with one side wall removed in the fall. This allows the roots to tumble out of the soil almost by themselves. Climbing support is a must Never underestimate the drive of this plant. As soon as the temperatures rise, the greenery shoots upwards. Provide sturdy poles (bamboo or wood) at least 3 meters high. The plant is a left winder. You can help it a little at the beginning by carefully guiding the young shoots counter-clockwise around the support. Fertilization and water Little nitrogen: Too much nitrogen fertilizer will cause the foliage to explode, but the roots will remain small. A good, mature compost in spring is usually sufficient. Even moisture: The soil should not dry out completely, especially in midsummer (July/August) when the bulb formation under the soil really gets going. Mulching helps enormously here to retain moisture. Harvesting the bulbils The small nodules form in the leaf axils from September. Place a fleece or tarpaulin under the plants when they are ripe. They fall off easily in the wind or when touched - so you can collect them in seconds instead of laboriously searching for them in the weeds. Overwintering the harvest If you dig up the roots and don't leave them in the ground: Store them like carrots in a box with slightly damp sand in a cool cellar. This will keep them crisp and prevent them from sprouting prematurely.

Details

Germination temperature

15 – 20 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

40 cm

Row spacing

90 cm

Seeding depth

5 cm