The tigernut has little to do with the almond. The fruits, also known as tiger nuts, grow in the ground like peanuts. The fruit is valued for its ingredients and because, unlike many other nuts, it is also suitable for allergy sufferers. You can grow the tiger nut in the garden or on the balcony yourself.

Tigernuts should get as much sun as possible

The right location for the tiger nut

Tigernuts come from southern regions. They therefore like a sunny location. The soil should not be too dry. A soil of sandy loam is particularly suitable.

The looser the soil, the easier it will be later to harvest the tigernuts. They are then easier to clean.

Grow tigernuts on the balcony

You can also grow tiger nuts on the balcony. For this you need a slightly larger planter, which you fill with loose, sandy soil.

The best time to plant tigernuts

Tigernuts are sensitive to frost. They are therefore only brought into the ground outdoors after the ice saints. The earth should have a temperature of eight to ten degrees.

You can plant tiger nuts in a pot earlier. It is then important that you set up the bucket in a warm and bright place.

After the ice saints, you can plant tigernuts that have been grown in the box outdoors.

Water before planting

  • Allow tigernuts to swell
  • Planting depth 5 cm
  • Planting distance about 20 to 40 cm

Before planting the tigernuts in the ground, soak them in lukewarm water for about 24 hours.

Plant the tiger nuts about five centimeters deep in the soil at a distance of 20 to 40 centimeters and then water it.

Caring for tiger nuts properly

The plantlets must be kept slightly moist after emergence, but not too wet. The soil must not dry out, especially during tuber formation in August and September.

Fertilizing is only necessary if the soil contains too little phosphorus or potash. Nitrogen fertilizers are not suitable.

With good care, a single plant can produce up to 500 of the small tiger nuts. They are about the size of a fingertip. Tigernuts can grow up to 50 centimeters away from the mother plant.

Tigernuts are harvested in autumn

Tiger nuts are ready to harvest in the fall. To do this, the herb is extracted. There are already some of the nuts on it. Then the remaining fruits are lifted out of the ground with the digging fork.

When caring for tigernuts in a pot, simply sift through the soil. Then all you have to do is collect the little tiger nuts.

After harvesting, the tigernuts are cleaned and then dried. The fruit can be stored for several months in this way.

tips

Tigernuts belong to the sourgrass family. The fruits can be prepared in different ways. They can be eaten as flour in cottage cheese or yoghurt. Tiger nuts are also very popular as a baking ingredient.

Category:

Herbs