Chervis Sugarroot [Sium sisarum]

The perennial sugarroot is a very old, hardy and forgotten original root vegetable variety with a very high sugar content. The roots grow to 15 to 20 cm long and taste mealy and sweet. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing in spring, good for mixed culture, harvesting the roots.

 Description 
The sugarroot is a very old perennial root vegetable and medicinal plant that comes from the Middle East, has been known since the Middle Ages and has now been forgotten. No wild occurrences are known. As a medicinal plant, it supports the liver and digestion and has an aphrodisiac effect. The roots of the beloved vegetable become woody easily and develop a very high sugar content, which is significantly higher than that of carrots and parsnips. The roots are cylindrical to tapered, between 15 and 20 cm long and taste mealy and sweet. The hardy plants are fast-growing and can be eaten raw or cooked.

 General information 
Plant family: Apiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 150 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -25°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, sandy, loamy, humus, stone-free

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 18-22 °C
Germination time: 21-40 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Lamb's lettuce, Beetroot, Spinach, Chard
Unfavorable mixed culture: Fennel, Carrot, Parsley, Celery, Parsnip

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing or pre-cultivation in pots or seed trays from February to May. The plants are best planted in a sunny to partially shaded location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend direct sowing or pre-cultivation in pots or seed trays from March to April. The plants should ideally be placed in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Seeds naturally germinate slowly. We recommend direct sowing in rows or pre-cultivation directly in pots or seed trays. When pre-cultivating, sow around 5 seeds together directly in small pots or seed trays and plant them directly in the prepared bed once the root ball has sufficiently developed.
Sugar beet ideally prefers a soil that is moist, permeable, nutrient-rich, free of stones and contains some sand, lots of humus and clay. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The species can cope with high humidity, but if the soil is too dry the plant forms a fibrous root core. After growing sugar beets, take a four-year break from growing it and other umbelliferous plants. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Since sugar beet germinates and grows very slowly, other plants should be removed regularly. Occasional loosening of the soil leads to good growth results. Regular watering results in faster growth with better quality roots. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Sium sisarum
English names: Chervis Sugarroot
German names: Zuckerwurzel, Süßwurzel
Portuguese names: Raiz de açúcar
Spanish names: Raíz de azúcar
French names: Racine de sucre

 Origin 
Country: Germany