He-lianthus tuberosus.

Soil And Situation

It flourishes most in a rich light soil with an open exposure. Trees are particularly inimical to its growth.

Time and Mode of Planting. As it never ripens its seed here, though it blossoms sometimes in October, the only mode of propagation is by planting the middle-sized bulbs, or cuttings of the large ones, one or two eyes being preserved in each. These are planted towards the end of March, though it may be performed in February, or even preferably in October.

They are inserted by the dibble in rows three feet by two feet apart, and four inches deep. They make their appearance above ground about the middle of May. The only attention necessary is to keep them free from weeds, and an occasional hoeing to loosen the surface, a little of the earth being drawn up about the stems. At the close of July or early in August, cut the stems off about their middle, to admit more freely the air and light, and in other respects to be beneficial to the tubers.

They may be taken up as wanted during September; and in October, or as soon as the stems have withered, entirely, for preservation in sand for winter's use. They should be raised as completely as possible; for the smallest piece of tuber will vegetate and appear in the spring. It is for this reason that they are often allotted some remote corner of the garden; but their culinary merits certainly demand a more favourable treatment.