Jerusalem Artichoke

Overview

Jerusalem artichoke Helianthus tuberosus       Rotation group - Others

The Jerusalem artichoke doesn’t come from Jerusalem and it isn’t an artichoke it is a member of the sunflower family originating from north America and if it is allowed to flower its cover is blown.  The Jerusalem artichoke is grown for its root tubers that resemble knobbly potatoes although modern breeding programmes are developing tubers with smooth skins.  They will require careful siting on the allotment because they will grow to 6ft/2metres tall. They are often used as windbreaks and anyone who has eaten them will testify to that. They must be lifted at the end of each summer and put into store. If they are left in the ground some will rot but more importantly they can multiply at rapid rate and quickly over run an area.

Varieties to choose (sold by Kings Seeds): -

• Jerusalem, Fuseau – this very hardy vegetable is ready when there is very little around in the vegetable garden. Grown from tubers and not seed.

How to grow

Sow

Jerusalem artichokes are grown from healthy young tubers that are planted during February and March.  The tubers are planted 6ins/15cms deep with 18ins/45cm between plants and1yd/1mt between rows.

Growing on

Water the growing plants regularly and give them and occasional feed with liquid seaweed.

Aftercare

Hoe the soil between the plants to keep it weed free and to create dust mulch. As the plants grow they may need to be supported to stop them being blown over by high winds especially towards the end of the summer. Water regularly to swell the tubers but don’t over water it will spoil their flavour

How to Harvest

Harvest during October and November. Cut all of the foliage down and save it for the compost heap. It is good to use at the bottom of a fresh heap. Carefully dig the tubers out as you need them but towards the end of November the entire crop will have to be lifted. Check over the tubers and store them in containers filled with old potting compost or damp sand. Place the containers somewhere frost free and regularly check the tubers to make sure that they are in good condition. Don’t forget to save some of the better ones for next years seed tubers.

Issues

Generally trouble free.