Jerusalem artichokes
Despite the name, these are not artichokes and not from Jerusalem! They are tubers related to sunflowers, producing tall stalks with edible, knobbly roots. Easy to grow, but can be invasive, so plant with care.
Jerusalem artichokes (Tubers, 1kg)
£6.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
Plant tubers in March – April
Plant out
Plant tubers directly into the ground, about 10-15cm (4-6 inches) deep
Harvest
November – March, after the first hard frosts for improved flavour. Dig up as needed.
Conditions
Sun
Full sun
Water
Keep consistently moist during dry periods, especially when plants are establishing
Soil
Tolerant of most soils, but prefers fertile, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
30-45cm between plants, 60-90cm between rows
Containers
Possible in very large, deep containers (at least 60cm diameter and depth) to control spread
Indoors
Not typically grown indoors; tubers planted directly outdoors
Care and harvest
Feeding
Generally not necessary in good soil. A balanced feed can be applied if growth is poor.
Pruning
Top growth can be cut back to 30cm (1ft) in autumn after flowering to reduce wind rock; leaves can also be removed from the bottom of the stem to expose the soil to more sun.
Harvesting
Dig up tubers as required after the first frosts. Leave some small tubers in the ground for next year's crop.
Storage
Best left in the ground and dug as needed, as they don't store well out of the soil for long. Can be stored in sand in a cool, dark place for a few weeks.
Good companions: Beans, Sweetcorn