[fibilou]

i love em and would like to put some on our allotment. Can they be grown in pots - i don't want them taking over

[Nikkithefoot]

Can they be grown in pots - i don't want them taking over

I would say not best grown in pots unless the pots are enormous. The plants themselves grow to about 10' in height, which would make the majority of pots very top heavy. In the ground they need to be planted 18" to 2' apart so any pot would need to be minimum 2'square and probably 3' deep to stand any chance.

What about a permanent bed on the lottie?

Nikki

[fibilou]

Our lottie is 40x30', so don't want to use a massive amount of space. Do you think 2 plants would be enough - there's only 2 of us.

[gobs]

You grow what you like to eat, if you love them, they deserve the place. Also, will be there all winter to dig up as fresh, 2 plants won't provide several months staple. Your call.

[agapanthus]

I grew these last year in a raised bed, but I buried a piece of corrugated plastic....about 18inches down.....to stop them spreading too far!

[fibilou]

cunning plan !

[Angelah]

Aaah, I wondered about burying something to stop them spreading too far, as I'm planning on planting some at the very edge of my plot, so the high fence can be used to provide support if needed, but didn't think the neighbours would appreciate them appearing in their gardens! Probably be next year before I manage to get round to it though - got whole plot to clear first!

[Eristic]

I grew these last year in a raised bed, but I buried a piece of corrugated plastic....about 18inches down.....to stop them spreading too far!

But the threat is not deep, it is sideways.

The simple answer is good management because they do not spread wildly, they produce tubers in a circle all round the original. Dig them up each year and replant enough for the following season and they will be contained.

They get out of hand because of neglect. Leave half of the tubers in undug and there will be a thicket of small tubers some distance from the original source. Let them establish in pathways and such then you will have problems.

They do not spread if you eat them.