Prefers a light well-drained sandy soil in full sun. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it should succeed outdoors in the southern part of the country, especially if given a warm sheltered site. Seed is rarely ripened on plants growing in Britain.

Root - large and sweet. An emergency food, used when all else fails. Long and stout, it can be more than 60cm in length. The root was usually harvested in the autumn.

Seed - sow autumn or early spring very shallowly in pots of sandy soil in a greenhouse. Germination can be very slow unless you peel off the outer skin and pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 2 months at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Seedlings are prone to damp off and so should be kept well-ventilated. Plant out in late spring, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings in spring, rooted in sand.

Coastal sand dunes and sea beaches