Fruits That Grow Underground are not that common and this list has treasures you won’t find in typical orchards or gardens.
These underground fruits are unique because they develop beneath the soil’s surface, often due to specialized adaptations by the plants that produce them.
Fruits That Grow Underground
This list has different kinds of “fruits” (with hint of sweetness) like tubers and roots.
1. Sweet Potatoes
Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas
Sweet potatoes are starchy roots that are often used in dishes like sweet potato pie. To grow them, use well draining soil and make sure the plant gets full sunlight for at least 6 hours.
To grow them in pots, choose a deep container (16-18 inches) that will give the tubers enough room to develop fuller. Also, water regularly to keep the soil on a little moist side.
2. Truffles
Botanical Name: Tuber spp.
Truffles are a type of fungus that grows symbiotically with the roots of certain trees, such as oak, hazel and beech. These need a specific conditions to grow, so it can be super tough to cultivate them in the garden.
3. Yam Bean
Botanical Name: Pachyrhizus tuberosus
Also known by the names of Mexican turnip or jicama, this tuberous root is commonly consumed because of its crisp and juicy texture.
The plant grows well in warm climates and needs well draining soil. For cooler regions, you can cultivate them in pots and bring indoors during cold weather.
4. Jerusalem Artichoke
Botanical Name: Helianthus tuberosus
Jerusalem artichokes have a crisp-nutty flavor with hints of sweetness. They need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. To start them in the garden, plant tubers in early spring, and maintain a distance of 14-16 inches between them.
For container growing, go for 16-18 inches deep and wide pots.
5. Tiger Nuts
Botanical Name: Cyperus esculentus
Often known as earth almonds, tiger nuts are small and sweet tubers that have a nutty flavor similar to potatoes.
These grow best in warm regions. Go for well draining medium and choose the sunniest spot in the garden. For cooler climates, you can grow them in deep pots. Bring them indoors before the frost arrives.
6. Chinese Artichoke
Botanical Name: Stachys affinis
Despite its name, Chinese Artichoke is not related to the traditional artichoke but belongs to the mint family. It has a slightly sweet taste and crunchy texture.
Unlike the fruits that grow underground above, these are well suited for cooler climates, and grow well in partial shade. You can cultivate them in either pots or directly in the garden. Plant the tubers in the spring.
7. Peanuts
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogaea
You must grow peanuts in pots because it is easy to take care of, and provides ample harvest! Get organic peanuts from the garden centre and plant them in pots. Simple!
Just ensure they get 5-6 hours of sunlight and add plenty of organic matter and compost in the soil. They will get ready to harvest between 100-150 days.
