Tuberous Vetch - Earth Chestnut -The Perennial Edible Tuber Pea
Produces a sweet tuber that is best harvested in the fall or early spring. Each plant produces small underground rhizomes which eventually fill an area with small 1-2 inch long tubers. The flavor of these tubers is just like a pea and has a crispy texture like a water chestnut. Rated very high in taste tests by the Plants for a Future Database, earth pea is a must for all perennial vegetable gardens. The yields are not massive but do supply enough for a few harvests in the spring and fall. They are easy to harvest growing along a rhizome type root and are usually shallow in the soil. The plant is easily trellised and can produce the most tubers in full sun with good organic mulch surrounding the plants. The seeds are not edible and normally are not produced in large amounts. This species is found wild growing in grassy meadows in Russia and Siberia. Best in full sun but will tolerate some shade.
| Plant Specs |
| Genus & Species |
Lathyrus tuberosus |
| Seed Source |
Michigan |
| Hardiness |
-25 |
| Height (ft) |
3-4 |
| Width (ft) |
1-2 |
| Pollination Requirements |
Self fertile. Seed production tends to be low. |
| Soil |
Sandy to rock to loam. Fixes nitrogen. |
| Climate |
Zone 3-7. Best in cooler climates. |
| Ease of Cultivation |
Very easy. Spreads slowly by tubers and rhizomes. |
