How to Grow Jerusalem Artichokes
 

Site and Soil
Jerusalem Artichokes will grow in almost any position and soil but they have preferences which will produce a top quality crop. They prefer a medium weight soil which is reasonably fertile. Don't feed them very often though because that will only encourage foliage and flowers at the expense of the root vegetables.

They do prefer full sun but will still produce a reasonable crop in shade. Bear in mind when planting Jerusalem Artichokes that they can easily grow to 3m (10ft) high and their dense foliage will cast shade. This can be useful for growing with cooler loving vegetables such as lettuce. As long as the lettuce get some sun at the beginning or end of the day they will appreciate the shade cast by Jerusalem artichokes in the mid day sun.

Planting Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers
Head down to your local greengrocer to buy your tubers. You can grow specific varieties which can be ordered from specialist suppliers but it's not necessary and the suppliers are hard to find.

If the tubers are large, then chop them into 5cm (2in) lengths making sure that each portion contains at least two buds.

Plant each portion of the tuber to a depth of 15cm (6in) and space rows 90cm (3ft) apart. Water in well and apply one handful of long lasting fertiliser (blood, fish and bone) per plant.

Care for Jerusalem Artichokes

One of the easiest vegetables to care for, they almost look after themselves. The key point with Jerusalem artichokes id the height they reach. In open and windy areas the plants can easily be blown over. When the plants are about 30cm (12in) high draw up soil around the stems to help the roots secure the plant to the soil. When the plants reach about 2m (6ft) high you can chop off the top 30cm (1ft) of the foliage to help the plants withstand any wind better. Harvesting When the first frost hits the foliage will start to die off. Cut back the stems to about 15cm (6in) high and put them on the compost heap. The tubers in the ground will store there with no help needed from you. Simply dig up the roots as and when they are needed. If you are in a very cold area then cover the soil above the roots with with bracken, straw or similar to lengthen the life of the roots. Pest and Disease The most common pest is the slug. Click here for our page on how to deal with slugs in your garden. Click here for biological control of slugs. Sometimes the roots are attacked by aphids. They will weaken the plants but are unlikely to kill them. When you dig up the roots look for the brownish aphids. There is no treatment for them but correct crop rotation should stop them being a problem. Note that in some parts of world Jerusalem artichokes are considered a weed. If you want to remove them from a patch of ground be sure to remove every trace of the tubers from the soil. Cooking Jerusalem Artichokes They should be washed and scrubbed, the skin can be left on. They are excellent roasted or added to stews and casseroles. A superb addition to any winter vegetable soup.

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