Achira (Edible Canna)

Achira is the oldest cultivated plant in South America, grown for thousands of years by Andean civilizations for its large, starchy rhizomes that produce a superior arrowroot starch used in gluten-free cooking and baking — distinct from ornamental cannas (Canna indica and hybrids) because the rhizomes are the primary crop, though the tall plants also produce showy flowers. Rhizomes are harvested 8–10 months after planting when plants begin to die back; they can be cooked like a starchy root vegetable, peeled and steamed, or dried and ground into a fine white starch known as 'canna starch' or 'Queensland arrowroot' that is an excellent thickener for sauces and soups. In zone 9 Gulf Coast gardens, achira grows vigorously as a warm-season perennial that fills in quickly from spring through fall, providing both edible harvest and tropical visual interest; the leaves are also traditionally used to wrap foods for cooking like corn husks. Divide and replant small side rhizomes each spring to maintain a productive colony. Спосіб посадки: Посадка бульб Відстань між рослинами: 24–36 дюймів Висота: 48–96 дюймів Дні до схожості: 21–45 Температура ґрунту для схожості: 21–27°C

Achira is the oldest cultivated plant in South America, grown for thousands of years by Andean civilizations for its large, starchy rhizomes that produce a superior arrowroot starch used in gluten-free cooking and baking — distinct from ornamental cannas (Canna indica and hybrids) because the rhizomes are the primary crop, though the tall plants also produce showy flowers. Rhizomes are harvested 8–10 months after planting when plants begin to die back; they can be cooked like a starchy root vegetable, peeled and steamed, or dried and ground into a fine white starch known as 'canna starch' or 'Queensland arrowroot' that is an excellent thickener for sauces and soups. In zone 9 Gulf Coast gardens, achira grows vigorously as a warm-season perennial that fills in quickly from spring through fall, providing both edible harvest and tropical visual interest; the leaves are also traditionally used to wrap foods for cooking like corn husks. Divide and replant small side rhizomes each spring to maintain a productive colony. Спосіб посадки: Посадка бульб Відстань між рослинами: 24–36 дюймів Висота: 48–96 дюймів Дні до схожості: 21–45 Температура ґрунту для схожості: 21–27°C --- Час посадки: 2–4 тижнів від останнього весняного заморозка Plant rhizomes 3–4 inches deep after the last frost once soil has warmed; in zone 8 and south, rhizomes can overwinter in the ground with heavy mulch — harvest the largest rhizomes for food and replant the smaller ones each spring.