Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)

Family: Agavaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Polianthes tuberosa is a BULB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Flowers - cooked. Used in vegetable soups or added to the substrate of 'kecap', an Indonesian soy sauce. The flowers are the source of tuberosa-flower water. No further details are given. — Flowers - cooked.; Used in vegetable soups or added to the substrate of 'kecap', an Indonesian soy sauce.; The flowers are the source of tuberosa-flower water.; No further details are given.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 8)