Groundnut

Growing

Because this perennial vine thrives in wet meadows, stream banks, and sloughs, you should select a site with heavy, moisture-retentive soil. It is particularly well-suited for areas that stay damp or even experience periodic flooding, as it naturally tolerates much wetter conditions than most garden legumes. As the plant establishes, you can expect a vigorous climbing or trailing habit; if you want to utilize its vertical growth, providing a trellis or support structure will help the vines navigate your garden space.

When it comes to the harvest, the primary goal is retrieving the nutrient-dense tubers. Since this plant is often propagated by transplanting tubers or crowns, you can expand your patch by moving these pieces to new locations. For long-term use, you can dry the harvested tubers to preserve them for the winter. Historically, these tubers have been prepared in various ways, such as parboiling and slicing them before drying, or even preserving them in syrups.

While the plant is a wonderful nitrogen-fixer for your soil, be aware that it can be quite a vigorous grower. If you are looking for the seeds, note that they are small, dark, and wrinkled, but the plant can sometimes be difficult to produce a heavy seed set due to natural self-incompatibility. Focus your efforts on the tubers for the most reliable harvest.