Cyperus esculentus
TAXONOMY
FamilyCyperaceae
GenusCyperus
Zone8
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Cyperus esculentus, commonly known as yellow nutsedge or chufa, is a tuberous geophyte in the family Cyperaceae. It is native to warm temperate to subtropical regions and is known for its edible tubers, which are often used to make a beverage called horchata. The plant thrives in wet, marshy areas and can become invasive if not managed properly.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Tiger Nut
Chlorocyperus aureus
Chlorocyperus phymatodes
Cyperus aureus
Cyperus bahiensis
Cyperus buchananii
Cyperus bulamensis
Cyperus callistus
Cyperus chrysostachys
Cyperus damiettensis
Cyperus esculentus f. angustispicatus
Cyperus esculentus f. esculentus
Cyperus esculentus f. evolutus
Cyperus esculentus f. macrostachyus
Cyperus esculentus f. princeps
Cyperus esculentus subsp. aureus
Cyperus esculentus var. angustispicatus
Cyperus esculentus var. cyclolepis
Cyperus esculentus var. esculentus
Cyperus esculentus var. helodes
Cyperus esculentus var. hermannii
Cyperus esculentus var. leptostachyus
Cyperus esculentus var. lutescens
Cyperus esculentus var. macrostachyus
Cyperus esculentus var. phymatodes
Cyperus esculentus var. sativus
Cyperus esculentus var. sprucei
Cyperus fulvescens
Cyperus gracilescens
Cyperus gracilis
Cyperus heermannii
Cyperus helodes
Cyperus hydra
Cyperus lutescens
Cyperus melanorhizus
Cyperus nervosus
Cyperus officinalis
Cyperus pallidus
Cyperus phymatodes
Cyperus phymatodes var. heermannii
Cyperus repens
Cyperus ruficomus
Cyperus sieberianus
Cyperus tenoreanus
Cyperus tenorei
Cyperus tenorianus
Cyperus tuberosus
Cyperus variabilis
Pterocyperus esculentus
Pycreus esculentus
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity70%
GDD1,800
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
WANT MORE TIPS?
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Cyperus esculentus requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and prefers consistently wet soil. The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best in moderate to warm climates. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist.Harvest
Cyperus esculentus, commonly known as tiger nut or chufa, is typically ready for harvest about 120 days after planting. Harvesting should be done when the foliage begins to yellow and die back, indicating that the tubers have matured. Carefully dig up the tubers using a garden fork or similar tool to avoid damaging them. After harvesting, the tubers should be washed thoroughly to remove soil and then dried in the sun for a few days before storage. Proper drying is essential to prevent mold and ensure the tubers remain viable for consumption or replanting.Soil
The plant prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and retains moisture well. Good drainage is important to prevent waterlogging, although the plant can tolerate wet conditions. A soil pH of around 6.5 is ideal for Cyperus esculentus.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is suitable for Cyperus esculentus. Fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season to ensure it receives the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.Repotting
Cyperus esculentus can be repotted when it outgrows its container or when the tubers become crowded. Repotting is best done in the spring. Carefully remove the plant from its current container, separate the tubers if necessary, and replant in fresh, moist soil.Propagation
The plant can be propagated by dividing the tubers. This is best done in the spring or early summer. Carefully dig up the plant, separate the tubers, and replant them in moist soil. Ensure each tuber has some roots attached for successful propagation.Pruning
Pruning is generally not required for Cyperus esculentus. However, you can trim back any dead or damaged foliage to maintain the plant's appearance and health.Toxicity
Cyperus esculentus is not toxic to pets or humans. The tubers are edible and are often used in culinary applications. However, always ensure that the plant has not been exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals before consumption.Additional
Cyperus esculentus can become invasive if not managed properly. Regular monitoring and control measures may be necessary to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. The plant is also known for its ability to improve soil structure and fertility, making it beneficial in crop rotation systems.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
