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Edible Perennials You Can Grow In Canada
With food security worries on the rise you are most likely looking for better ways to provide food to your family. However, the concern for you living in Canada may be what perennials plants can grow in a Canadian climate? This article looks at what edible perennials you can grow in Canada despite cold Canadian climates. This means the plants will work in a zone 2 – zone 7 in Canada or a USDA zone 3 – zone 8.
If you are new to this blog welcome my name is Ashley and I am a soil scientist with a love for the garden. In this blog we look at the science of gardening and apply it to all things plants. As a Canadian gardener located in zone 3 (USDA zone 4) I give you the tips and tricks for success in a cold climate garden.
How To Select An Edible Perennial?
My number one suggestion when it comes to choosing the best perennials for your garden is, go to a local nursery. Stay away from the apple trees and rhubarb you find at home depot or walmart. These plants have been imported to your city from much warmer climates and have a higher risk of dying over the winter.
Local nurseries are not only growing these plants locally it is also likely they have been bred locally as well. This means they are engineered from the start to survive your local climate and this includes winters. When you purchase your edible perennials locally you also are more likely to get a harvest sooner. This is because the edible perennial is less stressed because it has to travel a short distance ultimately reducing transplant shock.
If you are worried about how to transplant outside and the best way to reduce transplant shock check out the video below. The best way to transplant outdoors is actually with the use of a phosphate strong fertilizer, hardening off and proper protection.
List of Edible Perennial Flowers You Can Grow In Canada:
- Rose
- Peony
- Hollyhocks
- Tulips
- Strawberries
- Daylillies
List of Edible Perennial Trees & Shrubs You Can Grow In Canada:
- Lilacs
- Rose
- Blueberry
- Raspberry
- Apple Tree
List Of Edible Perennial Foliage You Can Grow In Canada:
- Chives
- Asparagus
- Hostas
- Rhubarb
- Horseradish
- Ostrich Fern
When Can You Start Harvesting From Edible Perennials?
You will want to wait a minimum of one year before harvesting from the plant. This will give the plant time to properly establish and will reduce the risk of stress. Keep in mind the longer you want to harvest from your edible perennials the better chance of survival you have. My favourite number is 3 years. Which may seem like a long time but is definitely worth the wait.
There you have it, you are officially set to start your own edible perennial garden in Canada with lots of options. Keep in mind you want to aim for a wide range of selection so you consistently have a food source. Be sure to try different foliage colours and mix it up between foliage, flowers and fruit. Happy planting and be sure to tag me in your edible perennial selection over on instagram @GardeningInCanada.