Pig Nut
Bunium bulbocastanumfam. Apiaceae
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Pl. 6DD5 — Bunium bulbocastanum
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IOverview
Overview
Pig Nut (Bunium bulbocastanum) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to light soils with a pH of 7.5-8. Native to regions including the Baleares, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Sardegna, Sicilia, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia, this plant is valued for its edible parts—leaves and roots—which can be enjoyed in culinary dishes. Standing at about 0.6 meters tall, Pig Nut features a forb/herb habit and is hardy in zones 4-8. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light requirement; it prefers moist conditions but adapts to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay).
Quick answers
What is Pig Nut?
Pig Nut (Bunium bulbocastanum) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to light soils with a pH of 7.5-8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pig Nut thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It is hardy in temperate regions with a tolerance to zones 4-8. This perennial plant grows up to 0.6 meters tall and requires full sun to partial shade. For best results, maintain soil pH between 7.5 and 8. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest the edible leaves and roots for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Pig Nut for the first time
8steps
Start with Pig Nut as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure the pH is between 7.5–8.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.6 meters apart in rows or plant small plants at the same spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, mulch around the base to retain moisture, and remove any weeds that compete with your Pig Nut.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late winter to maintain plant health. Harvest roots when mature, typically after 2-3 years.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting to mulch are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 5 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 11 native· 5 introduced
Europe11 regions
native (8)BelgiumFranceGermanyItalyNetherlandsSpainSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
introduced (3)AustriaDenmarkSweden
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Japan
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Apiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Apiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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