Achira – “Baldwins”  (Canna edulis)

Email *

Receive an email notification when this item is back in stock.

Join the waitlist!

Achira is a root crop from the Andes mountains that is grown as a root vegetable and starch crop.  Unlike most of the other Andean root crops, it adapts well to the hotter temperatures of lower elevation climates.  Several clones of Achira have been passed around amongst gardeners in Florida, a deep red foliage variety in particular.  These varieties grow well but do not produce very much edible rhizome material and tend to grow 3-4 feet tall.  We and others have been left asking “where’s the food?” when digging them up.  Unlike these, “Baldwin’s” is a selection that can produce large edible rhizomes under Florida conditions.  It grows much taller, up to 6 feet tall when in exceptional growing conditions.  The cooked and peeled rhizomes are similar to the taste and texture of a turnip.  Starch is extracted from the rhizomes in countries, such as Vietnam, where it is processed into noodles at a commercial scale.   This plant can reportedly survive periods with flooded soil and can grow in a decent amount of shade.  In some places, Achira is used for producing biomass and animal forage.  It is a striking ornamental in the garden with its tropical foliage and seasonal red blooms.  A relatively minor crop that is an interesting addition to the garden for more diversity of tropical vegetables.

Canna edulis – 4 live divisions