Ewiger Khol (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)

Also known as "perennial kale" or "everlasting cabbage," Ewiger Khol (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a hardy, low-maintenance leafy green that just keeps giving. Ideal for sustainable gardens and year-round harvests, this reliable plant provides a continuous and steady supply of fresh leaves with very little fuss.

🌱 Perennial (remains evergreen in mild winters; regrows strongly each spring)

🌤️ Light: Full sun to partial shade

📏 Garden Size: Grows up to 90 cm tall, spreading about 60 cm wide

🪴 Pot Size: Needs a large container (minimum 35–40 cm deep); thrives even better in open ground

🥗 Flavour & Use: This mild, earthy kale is incredibly versatile. You can harvest the leaves as needed all year round and use them fresh in salads, or sautéed, and stirred into hearty soups and stews.

💚 Nutrition & Health: A continuous source of essential vitamins, Ewiger Khol is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and antioxidants. It's a fantastic addition for supporting bone strength, immunity, and overall well-being.

💪 Resilience: A truly tenacious performer, this perennial kale is highly resistant to common pests and is built for thriving in a variety of conditions. It remains evergreen in mild winters and regrows strongly each spring, ensuring a dependable, long-term harvest.

Caucasian Spinach (Hablitzia tamnoides)

A rare perennial climber from the Caucasus, this shade-loving vine is a resilient powerhouse that will produce edible shoots and leaves for decades. Sometimes called “mountain spinach,” this plant is an incredibly hardy and low-maintenance solution for those awkward, shady corners where nothing else seems to thrive.

🌱 Perennial (dies back in winter and regrows each spring, lives for decades once established)

🌤️ Light: Partial to full shade

📏 Garden Size: Vines can grow 2–3 metres long; plant 30–45 cm apart

🪴 Pot Size: Needs a large, deep container (minimum 35–40 cm) with a trellis or support

🥗 Flavour & Use: The young shoots can be harvested when 10–15 cm tall and treated like asparagus. The mild, non-bitter leaves are superb raw in salads or can be blended into pesto. They also hold their own when sautéed, steamed, or folded into curries, pies, and soups.

💚 Nutrition & Health: A nutrient-dense wonder, Caucasian Spinach is rich in pro-vitamin A, folates, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. It is known to outperform regular spinach in lab tests.

💪 Resilience: This plant is a true survivor. It is highly resistant to common pests and capable of withstanding a variety of conditions. Its natural ability to thrive in shade makes it a dependable, low-maintenance choice for gardeners with challenging light conditions.

Tigernuts (Cyperus esculentus)

One of the world’s oldest cultivated crops, Tigernuts (Cyperus esculentus) were a staple in ancient Egypt and are now enjoying a modern revival. These sweet, nutty tubers grow just beneath the soil and are a fibre-rich, dairy-free superfood that is a surprisingly addictive snack.

🌱 Perennial (but grown as an annual in the UK due to frost sensitivity; harvest tubers in autumn and replant in spring)

🌤️ Light: Full sun

📏 Garden Size: Grows about 90 cm tall, forming clumps around 30 cm wide

🪴 Pot Size: Medium to large containers (minimum 30 cm deep); best results in loose, sandy soil

🥗 Flavour & Use: The sweet and nutty tubers can be eaten raw, roasted, or soaked to soften. They make a fantastic, wholesome snack and are also used to make tigernut milk—a creamy, naturally sweet dairy alternative.

💚 Nutrition & Health: A powerhouse of ancient nutrition, Tigernuts are high in fibre, healthy fats, magnesium, and antioxidants. These nutrients are great for supporting digestion, heart health, and providing long-lasting energy.

💪 Resilience: A hardy grower, Tigernuts are highly resistant to common pests and thrive in a variety of conditions. They prefer loose, sandy soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures, making them a low-maintenance, dependable crop.

Celtuce (Lactuca sativa var. asparagina)

Also known as stem lettuce or asparagus lettuce, Celtuce (Lactuca sativa var. asparagina) is a unique plant for the adventurous home gardener. It’s an easy-to-grow annual that offers two distinct harvests: juicy, crunchy stalks and tender leaves. A long-time favourite in Asian cuisine, this versatile plant is now gaining fans for its delightful texture and taste.

🌱 Annual (does not survive winter; replant each spring or return to The Forgotten Garden for fresh stock)

🌤️ Light: Full sun to partial shade

📏 Garden Size: Grows about 30 cm tall, with a narrow 25 cm spread

🪴 Pot Size: Ideal for medium containers (minimum 25 cm deep); grows happily in raised beds or open ground

🥗 Flavour & Use: Every part of this plant is an adventure. The juicy stalks can be peeled and sliced—excellent for stir-frying, roasting, or pickling. The leaves offer a mildly bitter bite that is great for salads or can be cooked like spinach.

💚 Nutrition & Health: A true all-rounder, Celtuce is rich in fibre, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It’s a fantastic source of nutrients that support digestion, eye health, and overall hydration.

💪 Resilience: A dependable performer, Celtuce is highly resistant to common pests and adapts well to UK conditions. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to grow in a variety of spaces make it a great choice for both new and experienced gardeners.

Oca Tubers (Oxalis tuberosa) 

A vibrant root crop from the Andes, Oca (Oxalis tuberosa) is a rewarding treasure with a zingy twist. This colourful perennial is gaining popularity in the UK as a low-maintenance, potato-like alternative that thrives in cooler climates. It rewards patience with a bright, delicious harvest that is well worth the wait.

🌱 Perennial (grown as an annual in the UK; harvest before frost and replant in spring)

🌤️ Light: Full sun to partial shade

📏 Garden Size: Grows to about 30 cm tall, spreading 30 cm wide

🪴 Pot Size: Medium to large container (minimum 30–35 cm deep); prefers well-drained soil

🥗 Flavour & Use: The tubers have a tangy flavour when eaten raw that mellows to a delicious nutty taste when cooked. They are excellent roasted, boiled, or fried and are a fantastic addition to salads, soups, or as a vibrant side dish.

💚 Nutrition & Health: A hearty food from the Andes, Oca is naturally high in carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C. It provides fantastic support for immune health and long-lasting energy.

💪 Resilience: A surprisingly tough perennial, Oca is highly resistant to common pests and holds its own in a variety of conditions. It adapts well to cooler climates, making it a dependable, low-maintenance choice that rewards you with a colourful harvest.

Jerusalem Artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus)

Also known as sunchokes, these sunflower relatives are a force of nature. Once a favourite in Victorian kitchens, these tubers produce a nutty, sweet flavour and thrive in even the toughest UK conditions. They are a beloved favourite, so be sure to grow them in a contained space as they will happily take over your garden if given the chance.

🌱 Perennial (grown as an annual in the UK; harvest before frost; replant each spring)

⚠️ Note: Grows aggressively—best grown in pots or raised beds to control spread

🌤️ Light: Full sun

📏 Garden Size: Grows 180–300 cm tall, forming large clumps 150 cm wide or more

🪴 Pot Size: Needs a very large, deep container (minimum 40–45 cm deep); harvest thoroughly to prevent escape

🥗 Flavour & Use: The tubers are delicious roasted, boiled, or turned into hearty soups. Their nutty, slightly sweet flavour pairs beautifully with creamy or savoury dishes.

💚 Nutrition & Health: A powerhouse for gut health, Jerusalem Artichokes are high in inulin, a prebiotic fibre that supports digestion. They are also a great source of potassium and iron, providing long-lasting energy.

💪 Resilience: A truly unstoppable plant, Jerusalem Artichokes are highly resistant to common pests and are built for thriving in tough conditions. They will grow happily in most soils, providing an abundant harvest with very little fuss.