Description
Jerusalem Artichoke Guide
Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus), also known as sunchoke, earth apple, and topinambour, belong to the sunflower family. Despite their name, they are neither artichokes nor related to Jerusalem. These hardy perennials produce tall stems with bright yellow flowers and knobby tubers, which are edible and highly productive, yielding up to 2kg per plant with minimal care.
Uses
Jerusalem artichokes are versatile in cooking, and suitable for eating raw, roasted, mashed, or in soups and salads. They are nutritious, rich in iron, potassium, and vitamins, and contain inulin, a prebiotic beneficial for gut health. However, inulin may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals, which can be reduced through cooking or fermenting. To help the digestive system adjust, introduce small amounts into your diet gradually, increasing intake over time.
Planting & Growing
Climate & Soil
Jerusalem artichokes can be grown in cool to mild tropical climates, thriving in cool to temperate regions and showing adaptability to Mediterranean and Subtropical areas. They prefer full sun and well-drained, sandy soil enriched with well-rotted animal manure for added nutrients. While they tolerate a range of soil pH levels, they grow best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.5–7.5).
- If soil is acidic, potash can help improve pH balance.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Planting Instructions
Jerusalem artichokes should be planted during the coolest months for your region. In cool and temperate climates, this is typically late winter to early spring, while in warmer areas, planting from June to August ensures optimal establishment before temperatures rise.
- Depth: 10 cm deep.
- Spacing: 30 cm apart in rows 1.2 m apart.
- Containment: Jerusalem artichokes are vigorous growers and can spread readily. To keep them contained, plant them in a designated bed with physical barriers, use raised beds, grow them in large pots, or utilise paving to limit their spread. Regular harvesting helps manage their growth while ensuring a steady supply of tubers.
Watering & Fertilising
- Provide consistent watering for larger tubers, ensuring at least one deep soak per week if rainfall is low.
- Apply a balanced fertiliser or top-dress with compost.
- Reduce watering near harvest time to encourage tuber maturity.
Growth & Maintenance
Jerusalem artichokes are one of the easiest crops to grow, requiring minimal maintenance when provided with the right conditions. They establish quickly, needing little care beyond basic upkeep.
Frost Tolerance
Jerusalem artichokes are particularly hardy but may be susceptible to frost damage when young. However, their leaves will recover in time. To protect young plants, apply a layer of mulch around the base to insulate the ground and provide added protection. Once established, these plants become highly resilient, and exposure to frost can even enhance their flavour and improve digestibility.
Mulching Benefits
Mulching around plants is highly beneficial, helping to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This reduces the need for frequent watering and weeding, making them an excellent low-maintenance crop.
Managing Growth
Jerusalem artichokes grow tall, producing sunflower-like flowers in summer. Managing their growth ensures optimal tuber production:
Cutting back stems:
- For larger tubers: Trim stems when flowering begins to direct energy to the tubers.
- For natural growth: Leave stems until they fully die back in autumn, then cut to ground level.
Harvesting & Storage
- Harvest Time: In warmer climates, harvest 4–6 weeks after flowering to prevent early sprouting and deterioration in the heat. In cooler climates, tubers can be left in the ground until the plants have fully died back, as colder temperatures keep them dormant.
- Method: Use a garden fork to carefully lift tubers.
Storage Options
Proper storage helps prevent shriveling and maintains tuber quality. The best method depends on your climate and intended storage duration.
- Cooler climates: Tubers can remain in the ground and be harvested as needed. This is ideal in well-drained soils where winter temperatures keep them dormant. However, in areas with heavy rainfall, excessive moisture can cause rot, so lifting and storing them is recommended.
- Warmer/wet climates: It is best to fully harvest tubers to prevent rot and early sprouting. For short-term storage, keep them in the crisper section of the fridge in a perforated bag or breathable container. While refrigeration can extend freshness for a few weeks, it is best to consume them within this time to maintain quality. For longer storage, placing them in soil within a tub is ideal, as it helps maintain freshness.
- Long-term storage: For extended storage, keep tubers in damp sawdust, peat moss, or soil in a tub in a cool, dark place. This method is suitable for all climates, but periodic checks are advisable as some quality loss may occur over time.
Preventing Rot & Climate Considerations
- Excess moisture in soil may cause tubers to rot, particularly in warm or wet climates.
- In cool climates, tubers can stay in the ground, provided the soil is well-drained.
- In warmer regions, full harvesting prevents early sprouting and deterioration.
Pests & Diseases
- Powdery Mildew: Avoid overhead watering, and improve airflow.
- Slugs & Snails: Target young shoots—use barriers or manual removal.
- Invasiveness: Contain plants using raised beds or large pots.
Toxicity
Jerusalem artichokes are non-toxic and safe to eat. However, due to their high inulin content, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort. Cooking or fermenting helps reduce this.
Jerusalem artichokes are a low-maintenance, high-yielding crop that thrives in many climates. With proper planting, care, and storage, they are a versatile and rewarding addition to any garden.
Supplied as a dormant tuber.