Tiger Nut Seeds

Tiger Nut (Chufa, Cyperus esculentus var. sativus) is a grass-like sedge grown for the small, sweet tubers that swell beneath the soil. Crisp and chewy with a milky, almond-sweet flavour, they are enjoyed fresh, dried, or blended into the classic nutty drink. Cultivated in Egypt since antiquity, it rewards a warm, sunny plot.

Planting

Plant in spring once soils warm, the traditional Egyptian window running from the first half of April through May. Soak the tubers in lukewarm water overnight for even sprouting, then set them about 8 cm deep on irrigation ridges spaced around 60 cm apart, leaving 15-20 cm between tubers. In a warm bed near 20-25°C, shoots emerge in roughly 2-3 weeks. Choose full sun with 6 or more hours of light and loose, sandy, well-drained soil at pH 5.0-7.5; avoid saline Delta ground.

Fertilizing

Tiger Nut responds strongly to nitrogen, which matters most during tuber expansion. Mix slow-release fertilizer or compost into the bed before planting, and enrich poor soil with green manure beforehand. Do not over-feed, as excess nitrogen pushes leaves at the expense of tubers.

Care

Keep the soil evenly moist all season, watering by furrow or flood about once a week, and mulch to hold moisture through the hot summer. Tubers begin forming 6-8 weeks after emergence and bulk up in July-August. Harvest in November-December once the foliage yellows and dies back; lift thoroughly, since stray tubers regrow next year.