Jerusalem artichoke is not only a very easy-care and hardy plant. You can harvest the tubers almost all year round, even on frost-free winter days. By regularly digging up the tubers, you prevent uncontrolled spreading.

Main harvest time is autumn

Depending on the Jerusalem artichoke variety, the main harvest time begins at the end of August and lasts until late autumn. During this time, the tubers are particularly plump and develop their fine aroma best.

It is advisable to harvest more frequently, especially with large stocks. This prevents the plants from forming too many tubers that spread throughout the garden.

The only time you shouldn't harvest Jerusalem artichoke is in the dry mid-summer. The tubers contract when dry. They wrinkle and lose flavor. As long as the ground is not frozen, it can also be harvested in winter.

Harvest Jerusalem artichoke - that's how it's done

The tubers can be harvested just like potatoes. Just pull them out of the ground by the stem.

If the soil is very heavy, dig up the tubers. To do this, pierce the ground with the digging fork at least 20 centimeters from the plant. Use leverage to loosen the soil and simply remove the Jerusalem artichoke from the ground.

Place a tuber from each plant back into the ground. Plant them up to 15 centimeters deep. The tubers will sprout again next spring and multiply by themselves. This will ensure that you will also be able to harvest Jerusalem artichokes from your own garden next year.

Summary of harvest tips

  • Main harvest time autumn
  • Harvest possible all year round
  • Pull out the Jerusalem artichoke by the stem
  • Alternatively, loosen the soil with the digging fork
  • Leave one bulb per plant in the ground

Harvest too rich - now what?

The tubers will only keep for a few days in the fridge. If you have harvested too much, keep Jerusalem artichokes wrapped in sand. It lasts like this for three months. You can also freeze the tubers.

tips and tricks

To get a rich harvest, you should cut off the Jerusalem artichoke flowers in summer. This will stimulate tuber formation.

Category:

Vegetable garden