{"title":"Root Crops","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"horseradish-plants","title":"Horseradish","description":"\u003cp\u003eKnown for its spicy roots, horseradish is an edible perennial that will add a bite to any dish or dip. It's from the same family as mustard, wasabi and radish, with a similar type of pungency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect these roots to also have a surprisingly subtle, sweet taste, similar to the sweetness of garden-fresh beans or asparagus. Much more flavourful than what's available in grocery stores!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLifted in the fall before the ground freezes, the roots can be stored and used throughout the winter, similar to other root vegetables. You can leave a few pieces planted to ensure you have new plants the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHorseradish spreads very easily (from any piece of root left behind), so plan to contain it or plant it somewhere you don't mind it spreading. We grow ours in large, deep pots.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Horseradish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible:\u003c\/strong\u003e Roots (and leaves in moderation)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e November\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eArmoracia rusticana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, part-sun\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull-grown size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2' tall and 1.5' wide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zone 3\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cross-pollinated, but not required for roots\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Europe\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoteworthy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh flavour is far superior to processed horseradish available in grocery stores. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"West Coast Plants","offers":[{"title":"1 gallon pot (Available Now)","offer_id":47522918695213,"sku":"","price":19.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 gallon pot (Spring 2026 Preorder)","offer_id":51487377719597,"sku":null,"price":19.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/1959\/3005\/files\/IMG_2730.jpg?v=1721646121"},{"product_id":"oca","title":"Oca","description":"\u003cp\u003eOnce a staple of the Andean highlands, oca is a colourful root crop that deserves a place in modern food gardens. Its tangy, lemony tubers come in shades of yellow, pink, orange, and red, harvested late in the season after the plants have soaked up the cool autumn light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Andes, oca is second only to potatoes in importance, valued for both nutrition and resilience at high elevations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnjoy oca roasted like potatoes, pan-fried for extra crispness, or even eaten raw, when its fresh lemony flavour really shines. The tubers have a fine-grained texture with the moisture of a new\/baby potato, and thin skin that never needs peeling. In the Andes, the tubers are often left in the sun for a few days to sweeten before cooking. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn colder regions, oca is grown as an annual — planted after frost and dug before the ground freezes, as it is sensitive to frost. The tubers are stored over winter and replanted in the spring. Any tubers that are left behind and don't freeze, will sprout in the spring, but are very easy to remove - easier rogue than potatoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOca offers not just food but beauty: the clover-like foliage and starry yellow flowers give way to a rainbow of bright tubers that add intrigue to both the garden and plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to check out the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/westcoastplants.ca\/products\/mashua\" title=\"Mashua\"\u003emashua tubers\u003c\/a\u003e we offer as well - another tasty tuber from the Andes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Oca, New Zealand yam, Uqa\/Oqa, Papa oca\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tubers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e November (before the ground freezes)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eOxalis tuberosa\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part sun\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull-grown size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 12-18\" tall x 18-24\" wide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zone 8\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not required to form tubers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Relatively pest-free in North America. Foliage isn't favoured by rabbits or deer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Andes Mountains (South America)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoteworthy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Uniquely-coloured, flavourful tubers produced by pest-resistant, easy-to-grow plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"West Coast Plants","offers":[{"title":"Dormant: 5 Bare Root Tubers - mixed sizes (Fall\/winter) \/ Oca - Dark Red","offer_id":51430244122925,"sku":null,"price":14.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dormant: 5 Bare Root Tubers - mixed sizes (Fall\/winter) \/ Oca - Yellow with Red Eyes","offer_id":51430244155693,"sku":null,"price":14.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Dormant: 5 Bare Root Tubers - mixed sizes (Fall\/winter) \/ Oca -  Salmon","offer_id":51430244188461,"sku":null,"price":14.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Growing: 1 plant in a 4.5\" pot (Spring) \/ Oca - Dark Red","offer_id":51429997871405,"sku":null,"price":12.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Growing: 1 plant in a 4.5\" pot (Spring) \/ Oca - Yellow with Red Eyes","offer_id":51429997904173,"sku":null,"price":12.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Growing: 1 plant in a 4.5\" pot (Spring) \/ Oca -  Salmon","offer_id":51429997936941,"sku":null,"price":12.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/1959\/3005\/files\/C4A7439F-BC2A-4E69-9465-DE2E780A592B.jpg?v=1764590968"},{"product_id":"skirret-plants","title":"Skirret","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSkirret is a cold-hardy perennial root vegetable grown for its sweet, white, carrot-like roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThriving in full to part sun and loose, fertile soil, it produces clusters of slender roots best harvested after frost for peak flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasy to grow and low-maintenance, skirret is a great addition to edible perennial gardens, food forests, and historical plant collections, as it has been cultivated for 1,500-2,000+ years. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Skirret, Sugar Root, German Sugar Root\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Roots\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late fall, after frost\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eSium sisarum\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull-grown size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3-4' tall x 1-2' wide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zone 4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-fertile\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Flowers attract bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Central Asia and Europe\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoteworthy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cultivated for over 1,500 years.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"West Coast Plants","offers":[{"title":"1 plant in a 4.5\" pot (Spring 2026 Preorder)","offer_id":51362828550445,"sku":null,"price":14.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/1959\/3005\/files\/A0285776-3062-4B8D-B76D-0882C6B8B239.jpg?v=1761330420"},{"product_id":"groundnut-plants","title":"Groundnut","description":"\u003cp\u003eGroundnut (\u003cem\u003eApios americana\u003c\/em\u003e) is a vigorous perennial vine native to North America, valued for its edible underground tubers and nutritious beans. The tubers grow in bead-like chains, are high in protein and starch, and were an important traditional food of Indigenous peoples. Easy to grow, groundnut thrives in sun to partial shade and can climb 6–10 feet with support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a member of the legume family, groundnut forms symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria to fix nitrogen, improving soil health and fertility for surrounding plants. In a food forest, it can be grown as a productive climber in the shrub or tree layer, where it uses vertical space efficiently while also enriching the soil below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants spread readily by underground tubers, so they’re best managed in a contained bed or allowed room to naturalize. Once established, they provide a reliable and resilient perennial food source. Beyond their unique flavour and nutrition, groundnuts attract pollinators with clusters of reddish-brown flowers, support soil-building, and add both beauty and function to food gardens and food forests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Groundnut, Ground nut, American groundnut, Indian potato, Hopniss, Wild bean, Potato bean\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tubers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late fall-winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eApios americana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull-grown size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6-10' long vine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zone 3\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-fertile, but pollination not required for tuber formation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Tubers may be of interest to rodents if left in the ground unprotected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to eastern and central North America, traditionally cultivated and eaten by many Indigenous peoples.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoteworthy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produces edible, protein-rich tubers as well as edible beans. Nitrogen fixer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"West Coast Plants","offers":[{"title":"Dormant: 5 small-medium bare root tubers (Fall\/winter)","offer_id":50659381018925,"sku":"","price":19.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Growing: 1 plant in a 4.5\" pot (Spring)","offer_id":51331944317229,"sku":null,"price":15.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/1959\/3005\/files\/783548CE-9E86-4CF3-B9B5-8E90F3088754.jpg?v=1761330641"},{"product_id":"chinese-artichoke","title":"Crosne (Chinese Artichoke)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrosne, also called Chinese artichoke, is a hardy perennial from the mint family grown for its unique, knobby white tubers. Easy to cultivate, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers loose, well-drained soil. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants spread slowly by underground tubers and can naturalize into patches, making them an excellent addition to food forests, perennial beds, or mixed gardens when given space. Grow in pots if containment is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn autumn, the plants die back to reveal crisp, nutty-flavoured tubers that can be eaten raw, lightly sautéed, or pickled. Though small, they’re prolific and reliably return each year if a few tubers are left in the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their attractive foliage, low maintenance needs, and unusual harvest, Crosne are both ornamental and edible, adding diversity to a resilient food garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Crosne, Chinese Artichoke, Japanese Artichoke, Chorogi, Artichoke betony, Knotroot\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Roots\/Tubers \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eStachys affinis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part shade\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull-grown size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 12-18\" tall, spreads in width\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zone 5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not required for tuber formation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Flowers attract bees and pollinators. Tubers are generally left alone by deer and most pests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to China and introduced to Japan, where it became a traditional food crop. Spread to Europe in the 1800s under the name “crosne.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoteworthy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produces unusual spiralled white tubers with crisp texture and mild nutty flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"West Coast Plants","offers":[{"title":"Dormant: 6 bare root tubers  (Fall\/winter)","offer_id":51330949775661,"sku":null,"price":14.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Growing: 3 plants in a 4.5\" pot (Spring)","offer_id":51954619875629,"sku":null,"price":14.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/1959\/3005\/files\/522CBD97-DA49-428C-A009-1CD579C8B576.jpg?v=1749584106"},{"product_id":"mashua","title":"Mashua","description":"\u003cp\u003eMashua (\u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tuberosum\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as Anu or Cubio, is a long-cultivated Andean root crop grown for its nutritious tubers. In the highlands of Peru and Bolivia it has been an important staple for centuries, second only to potatoes in some areas. Once harvested in late autumn after frost kills the foliage, tubers are cured and stored for eating or replanting the following spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNicknamed the “tuberous nasturtium,” Mashua is a close relative of the garden nasturtium, with tubers that are sharp and peppery when raw, similar to nasturtium flowers. Cooking transforms the tubers into a milder, nutty vegetable with a flavour often compared to roasted parsnips or turnips. They can be eaten boiled, roasted, baked in stews, or dried for long-term storage. Tubers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the leaves and flowers are also edible, adding a peppery kick to salads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMashua grows as a vigorous vine, reaching 6-12 feet long, quickly creating a green screen of any netting or fencing you let it climb. It produces orange-yellow flowers that attract pollinators, while its foliage and roots are naturally resistant to many pests and can even suppress soil nematodes. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMashua offers a unique way to grow an ancient Andean staple while adding edible diversity to your garden. Be sure to check out the \u003ca title=\"Oca\" href=\"https:\/\/westcoastplants.ca\/products\/oca\"\u003ecolourful oca tubers\u003c\/a\u003e we offer as well - another tasty tuber from the Andes. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Mashua, Blanca Mashua\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdible:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tubers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest timing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eTropaeolum tuberosum 'Blanca'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to part sun\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull-grown size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vine, growing 6-12' long. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zone 7\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not required for tuber formation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tubers and foliage are generally unpalatable to mammals. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Andes Mountains in South America.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNoteworthy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mashua has been used in traditional Andean medicine for antimicrobial and diuretic properties.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"West Coast Plants","offers":[{"title":"Dormant: 1 large or 2 medium bare root tubers (Fall\/winter)","offer_id":51244059361581,"sku":null,"price":14.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Growing: 1 plant in a 4.5\" pot (Spring)","offer_id":52302353563949,"sku":null,"price":14.98,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0842\/1959\/3005\/files\/19895DFD-1D72-4AB4-9369-CA8A01576C5E.jpg?v=1765072037"}],"url":"https:\/\/westcoastplants.ca\/collections\/root-crops.oembed","provider":"West Coast Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}