Sium helenianum
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The stems are sold in markets as a food crop in areas where the plant grows wild. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light, rich, moisture retentive soil in full sun.
Propagation
Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a cold frame. It can be slow to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring just before new growth begins. Use the side roots. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Edible uses
Stem - raw.
Habitat
Wet marshy places.
Native range
St. Helena.