Sunflowers are not only grown in the garden for their beautiful flowers, as a privacy screen or for harvesting the seeds. Sunflower roots are also good soil conditioners. Some are even edible.

Sunflower root Jerusalem artichoke is edible

Interesting facts about the roots of the sunflower

The roots of the sunflower form a wide and deep network underground. Given the size of some sunflower varieties, this is not surprising.

Some roots of perennial sunflowers thicken and become bulbs. The best-known example is the Jerusalem artichoke.

Sunflower roots do not tolerate waterlogging

When growing sunflowers in the garden, make sure the soil is always moist. However, the roots of the sunflower do not tolerate waterlogging at all. They then begin to rot, so the plant quickly dies.

Therefore, only plant sunflowers in well-drained soil from which moisture can drain quickly, for example after a heavy downpour.

Sunflower roots as a soil conditioner

The roots of the sunflower also penetrate deep layers of the earth. The annual sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is therefore often cultivated as a soil conditioner.

The flower not only absorbs pollutants through the roots, but also loosens the soil at the same time. If the roots are not uprooted after harvesting, they will decompose and thereby provide the soil with additional nutrients.

You should therefore cut your sunflowers above ground in the fall and leave the sunflower roots in the ground.

The edible roots of Jerusalem artichoke

The roots of the Jerusalem artichoke are also called "the potato of diabetics" because they contain inulin, a starchy carbohydrate that diabetics also tolerate well.

The roots of this sunflower species can be prepared raw or cooked as:

  • salad
  • vegetable side dish
  • soups
  • sauces
  • puree

If you have enough space in the garden, you should grow a few Jerusalem artichoke plants to bring fresh vegetables to the table in autumn and winter. However, Jerusalem artichoke tends to spread easily throughout the garden and is therefore best planted out with a root barrier.

tips and tricks

When caring for sunflowers in pots, make sure that the planter has enough drainage holes. If you place the pots on a saucer, pour off excess water and rainwater as soon as possible. This is especially advisable after heavy downpours.

Category:

Vegetable garden