Easily grown in ordinary garden soil that is moist in summer and a sunny position, preferring a deep well-drained sandy loam. This species is hardy to about -20°c. Plants strongly resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Root - raw or cooked. Sweet and highly nutritious. Harvested from late autumn to spring, it is sweetened by frost.

Seed - sow in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe or in the spring. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in spring. Great care is needed since the plant dislikes root disturbance.

Gravel river bars, roadsides, rocky hills and meadows, 1200 - 2500 metres in the Alps.