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Jerusalem Artichoke

Helianthus tuberosus

INTRODUCTION

The Jerusalem Artichoke, a perennial plant related to the Sun Flower, benefits from not only being a useful winter vegetable but also makes a colourful windbreak during late summer and autumn.

Rather than growing from seed, the Jerusalem Artichoke is usually planted as a tuber similar to a potato crop. Incredibly easy crop to produce and a good starting item for any budding allotmenteer.

High yielding, low in calories and suited to growing in cooler climates, this is a vegetable that if not part of your growing schedule, it should be!

Soil Preparation

Jerusalem Artichokes are a very straightforward crop to grow and are not overly fussy about soil conditions, however, well-prepared soil will give the best results.

The growing site should be in a sunny position with organic material added well in advance of sowing.

The ground should be fertile, free-draining and stone free. Heavy clay soils are not as ideal as lifting tubers during the winter will be hard going.

They will tolerate some shade if you have no choice over the growing position.

Jerusalem Artichokes do not appreciate wet soils. They also dislike acidic soils. Correct soil pH if necessary. 

Jerusalem Artichokes are a tall growing crop that can easily reach 2.4m (8ft) in ideal growing conditions. Ensure they are not positioned to overshadow other crops.

Sowing & Planting

Jerusalem Artichokes suit growing en masse and do not necessarily need to be planted in rows.

As a perennial plant that should be productive for 4-5 years or more, it might be better to plant them out of the usual growing areas, especially if you intend to benefit from this crop as a windbreak.

Plant tubers during the spring at a depth of 15cm (6 inches) and with spacings of 45cm (18 inches) between tubers.

If short on planting stocks, tubers can be cut in half. Ensure each piece has at least one growing point.

If your existing plants are disease-free, you can keep your own planting stock from year to year. 

Growing & General Cultivation

Jerusalem Artichokes require regular watering to be at their best, especially while establishing and during drought conditions.

Keep growing area weed-free and stake crop to provide support if needed.

If foliage becomes unwieldy, it can be pruned during summer. Reduce plant size to around half. You may lose the flowers in late summer but the crop will be more manageable and energies will be directed towards tuber production rather than foliage. This will also help if your growing site is overly exposed.

As autumn approaches, the foliage will start to go yellow and die down.

Cut plants down to just above soil level and tidy up the crop.

Pests & Diseases

Jerusalem Artichokes, in general, are trouble-free. The odd issue may arise:

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for young plants in the early stages of growth or newly emerging shoots in the spring on more established plants. For remedies - see Product Directory. 

Sclerotinia is a fungus that affects stems. White fluffy wool-like growth will appear that results in brown slime as stems rot. Remove affected plants.

One other issue to consider, Jerusalem Artichokes can become very invasive.

If you ever wish to remove the crop completely, ensure every last tuber is taken from the soil. Covering the soil with a weed suppressant membrane for at least two growing seasons will also help to get rid of them.

Harvesting

From the autumn onwards, lift tubers as required.

They do not store well, so leave them in the ground until needed.

Cover beds with straw to protect against frost in extreme winters.

N.B - Jerusalem Artichokes contain a difficult to digest carbohydrate called inulin, as a result, they may cause excessive flatulence.

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