3 Stachys Affinis - Chinese Artichoke Tubers for Planting

A true garden delicacy, Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis) is a cold-hardy perennial grown for its small, knobby white tubers—nutty, crisp, and perfect for fresh eating or quick cooking. Also known as Crosne or Japanese Artichoke, this mint-family root crop is easy to grow, low maintenance, and offers both ornamental foliage and culinary reward. Unlike traditional artichokes, Chinese Artichoke grows underground tubers that form in tight clusters and resemble coiled spirals or caterpillars. Their flavor is mild, slightly nutty, and refreshingly crunchy—ideal for stir-fries, pickling, tempura, or raw snacking. We like growing Stachys affinis for its reliability in cold climates (zones 4–9), its ornamental value in edible gardens, and its underappreciated but gourmet-grade yield. Plant once, harvest every fall, and enjoy one of the most unique root vegetables you can grow at home. 🌱 Why Grow Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis) Tubers Produces nutty, crisp tubers ideal for raw and cooked