Vegetables that grow back year after year of their own accord, requiring minimal attention, are a major plus in any garden, particularly in ‘forest garden’ conditions.

Such perennial vegetable plants, especially those whose roots can be left completely undisturbed for years, are a major boon to gardeners who — for a wide variety of reasons, including those of health — view purely seasonal vegetables as being far too much trouble to cultivate at home. In many cases, these can be purchased at reasonable cost from the market.

Perennial vegetables aside from asparagus are, for some unknown reason, rarely found in bazaars and, when they are, they tend to be exorbitantly expensive — with the exception of drumsticks.

Vegetables that grow on their own year after year can be a very useful addition to the garden

A perennial vegetable doesn’t mean a vegetable which can be harvested all year round. It, too, has a season in which it is productive and seasons in which it grows and rests according to its inherent nature. Though it is permanent or semi-permanent, some species live longer than others. A plant/tree once planted and correctly tended and cared for has the potential to be productive for many years to come, thus negating the need for seemingly endless soil preparation, seed sowing and transplanting, etc.

There are a number of perennial vegetable species which, with care, can perform extremely well here, although not all of these have the potential to do as well in Karachi as they will, for instance, in Islamabad with its very different soil and climatic conditions and, in some cases, vice versa.

Before telling you about perennial plant species best suited to different areas of the country, it is important to stress that, as these plants dislike having their roots disturbed, their growing location should be decided after serious consideration. It is preferable not to mix them in with purely seasonal vegetable beds in which soil disturbance is a regular occurrence. It’s better to award them well-prepared locations all of their very own or, if the species is suitable, to grow them in very large clay pots or other suitable containers.

Moving on to the nitty-gritty of recommended perennial vegetables for you to try, Asparagus officinalis needs no introduction and is far easier to grow than many people think. It’s easily grown from seed — although you then have a three-year wait for plants to become established enough to harvest without harming the crown (plant) — or from the young crowns sold in just a few nurseries over the winter months. Established plants, when happy, can produce fantastic harvests of ‘spears’ for as long as 20 years and more. In our climate, it’s best grown in light shade, and soil must be drained well. It can be grown all over the country with meticulous care but has best results from Lahore northwards.

Cynara scolymus (Globe artichoke): This stunning architectural plant deserves a place in all gardens. The edible portion is the flower buds before the flower blooms and can be huge. These are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. Artichoke grows rapidly from seed and begins to produce in its second year. Enjoys sun or light shade and is not fussy about soil as long as drainage is good. So it’s worth a try in Karachi. Should do well from Lahore northwards and thrives in areas where winter is cold.

Helianthus tuberosus (Sunchokes/Jerusalem artichokes): Grown for its delicious tubers, this member of the sunflower family and thriving in the same growing conditions, can be grown all over the country if tubers or seeds can be tracked down. It takes much longer to establish from seed than from tubers. The oddly-shaped tubers are dug up after flowers have died, but always leave some in the ground for next year’s crop. As it can be invasive, it is best grown in a bed of its own.

Rheum rhabarbarum (Rhubarb) is classified as a vegetable not a fruit that some people consider it to be. Though easy to germinate, seedlings can be tricky to get properly established. It needs very rich soil — loves to be grown on/in compost heaps — plenty of shade and lots of water during dry spells/high temperatures, and does best, although it needs much care, from Lahore northwards. Worth a try in Karachi, as I understand it has, in the past, been cultivated in Malir.

Hermerocallis (Daylilies): It is generally the flower of these lovely plants which is eaten, either stuffed and fried or in salads, but the leaves and roots are edible too. Daylilies grow everywhere.

Armoracia rusticana (Horseradish): A perennial, clumping member of the Brassica family, grown for its ‘powerful’ roots which are often made into a sauce or mustard. Its spicy hot leaves can be used in salads. Given a rich soil, good drainage, partial shade and regular watering in dry weather, it will grow anywhere — and spread — as long as it is correctly tended.

Moringa oleifera (Drumstick tree/Horseradish tree) is an indigenous tree mostly found throughout the plain areas of the country. All parts, including leaves, bark and roots — along with its well known ‘drumstick’ seed pods, are edible and/or medicinal. Deserves a place in gardens generally and forest gardens particularly.

Other perennial suggestions are to allow garlic to become a permanent fixture, thinning out the bulbs as/when they get overcrowded and making full use of the tasty leaves as a ‘cut and come again’ crop over a surprisingly long period.

Ipomoea batatas (Sweet potatoes) are perennial throughout the plains. Simply dig up fresh tubers as desired, leaving the plants to grow on and multiply.

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location.The writer does not respond directly by email. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Published in Dawn, EOS, September 30th, 2018