How to grow Camassia

Camassia quamash

Can grow in any soil as long as it’s moist.1

Growing Camassia from seed

Direct sow bulbs outdoors in the fall.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 5.85 inches (15.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 2.73 inches (7.0 cm).

Transplanting Camassia

Direct sow bulbs outdoors in the fall. Plant 3 inches below surface and 4" apart.

Camassia is hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

Harvesting Camassia

The 5cm or smaller root is edible.1

May be harvested any time of year.1 The bulb may be eaten raw or cooked.1 Very nutritious and reportedly tasty when slow cooked.1 May be dried and ground into a powder which is useful for thickening soup, or mixed with flour for baking.1

How long does Camassia take to grow?

These estimates for how long Camassia takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

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Camassia Etymology

The name Quamash is a Nez Perce term for the plant’s bulb.

The synonym name is Latin ‘esculenta’ means “edible”.3

Camassia Folklore & Trivia

Was a staple food of some Native Americans.1

Medicinally it is said to be able to induce labor, or to treat bleeding after giving birth.1

Other names for Camassia

Small camas, Blue camas, Indian Hycinth

Camaridium leichtlinii var. watsoni M.E.Jones, Camassia esculenta Lindl., Phalangium esculentum Nutt., Phalangium quamash Pursh

Footnotes

1 Plants For A Future


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