Jerusalem artichokes are traded at high prices in delicatessens. The root vegetable has an aroma reminiscent of artichokes, potatoes and kohlrabi. Growing this Jerusalem artichoke in the garden is easy as the plant is undemanding and easy to care for.
Jerusalem artichoke can usually be harvested from October
Expectations
Jerusalem artichoke is easy to grow in the garden because it settles in almost any soil. The plant spreads by underground runners. Ideally, the subsoil provides sandy, humic and moderately calcareous conditions. In winter, the tuberous roots remain in the ground. They sprout reliably in spring even after the harsh winter months.
planting
The ideal planting time is from mid-March to the end of April, although you can also plant the tubers in the autumn between October and November. Enrich the bed with compost beforehand. You should avoid an excessive supply of nitrogen, as this causes the daisy family to proliferate.
How to plant correctly:
- Create rows 50 centimeters apart
- Place roots 60 centimeters apart
- ensure a planting depth of five to ten centimetres
Welcome neighbors
Helianthus tuberosus grows as a privacy hedge at the edge of the property and enjoys the company of shrubs or perennials. The planting neighbors should make similar demands on the site. At the same time, you have to consider the maximum growth height of up to three meters so that the mixed crops get enough light. Currants and raspberries are just as suitable as hazelnut or fruit bushes. Rhubarb also thrives well among the daisy family.
maintenance
Check the bed regularly for weeds and pull them out of the substrate if necessary. As soon as the seedlings have developed the first true leaves, they deprive the weed seeds of the light to germinate. Plants require watering during prolonged periods of drought or on heavily sandy soils. Otherwise, the rainwater is sufficient. An occasional application of compost provides the vegetables with important nutrients in the long term. By piling up the plants, similar to potatoes, you increase crop yields.
tips
In the next few years you can pull out excess shoots when they are knee high. This thins out the stock and ensures better tuber development.
harvest
Jerusalem artichoke can usually be harvested as soon as the above-ground parts of the plant turn brown. This process starts in October for most varieties. You can dig up the root bulbs from the frost-free soil at any time. Each rhizome planted yields ten times the crop. Use a digging fork to get the rhizomes out of the ground.
Store correctly
The storage life of Jerusalem artichoke is not very long, since the tubers have a thin skin. Store them unwashed and in cool, humid conditions. The harvest can be stored in the heap like vegetables.