Chervis Sugarroot [Sium sisarum]

The sugar root 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 been forgotten today. There are no known wild occurrences. As a medicinal plant, it supports the liver, digestion and has an aphrodisiac effect. The roots of this 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 pointed in shape, between 15 and 20 cm long and taste floury, 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: Weak eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -25 °C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, moist, loamy, sandy, humus

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

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

Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from February to May or pre-cultivate in small pots from January to May.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly outdoors from March to April or pre-cultivate in small pots from February to May.

General
Seeds naturally germinate slowly. Sow directly in rows. When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible sugar root leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Sugar root prefers a sunny to partially shaded location with moist, well-drained, humus-rich, sandy loam soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
The species can cope with high humidity; if the soil is too dry, the plant develops a fibrous root core. After growing sugar roots, take a four-year break from cultivating them and other umbelliferous plants. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds or through root division.

Plant care
Regular watering results in more stable growth, with better quality roots. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

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