The tiger nut has little to do with the almond. The fruits, also known as tiger nuts, grow in the ground like peanuts. The fruit is valued because of its ingredients and because, unlike many other nuts, it is also suitable for allergy sufferers. You can grow tiger nuts yourself in the garden or on the balcony.
How can you grow tiger nuts yourself?
Answer: To grow tiger nuts yourself, choose a sunny location and loose, sandy-loamy soil. After the ice saints, plant the pre-soaked tiger nuts about 5 cm deep and 20-40 cm apart. Keep the soil slightly moist and harvest the tiger nuts in autumn.
The right location for the tiger nut
Tiger nuts come from southern regions. They therefore like a location that is as sunny as possible. The soil should not be too dry. A soil made of sandy loam is particularly suitable.
The looser the soil, the easier it will be to harvest the tiger nuts later. They are then easier to clean.
Growing tiger nuts on the balcony
You can also grow tiger nuts on the balcony. To do this, you need a slightly larger plant pot (€74.00 on Amazon), which you fill with loose, sandy soil.
The best time to plant tiger nuts
Tiger nuts are sensitive to frost. They are therefore only put into the ground in the open field after the Ice Saints. The earth should have a temperature of eight to ten degrees.
You can plant tiger nuts in pots sooner. However, it is important that you place the bucket warm and bright.
After the Ice Saints, you can plant tiger nuts in the box outdoors.
Water before planting
- Let tiger nuts swell
- Planting depth 5 cm
- Plant spacing approx. 20 to 40 cm
Before you put the tiger nuts in the ground, let them soak in lukewarm water for about 24 hours.
Plant the tiger nuts about five centimeters deep into the ground at a distance of 20 to 40 centimeters and then water it.
Care for tiger nuts properly
The plants must be kept slightly moist after emergence, but not too wet. The soil must not dry out, especially during tuber formation in August and September.
Fertilizing is only necessary if the soil contains too little phosphorus or potassium. Nitrogen fertilizers are not suitable.
With good care, a single plant can produce up to 500 of the small tiger nuts. They are about the size of a fingertip. Tigernuts can grow up to 50 centimeters away from the mother plant.
The tiger nuts are harvested in autumn
Tiger nuts are ready to harvest in autumn. To do this, the herb is extracted. There are already some of the nuts on there. The remaining fruits are then lifted out of the ground with the digging fork.
When caring for tiger nuts in pots, simply sift the soil. Then all you have to do is collect the little tiger nuts.
After harvesting, the tiger nuts are cleaned and then dried. This way the fruit can be stored for several months.
Tip
Tiger nuts belong to the sour grass family. The fruits can be prepared in different ways. They can be eaten as flour in quark or yogurt. Tiger nuts are also very popular as a baking ingredient.
