Jerusalem artichoke

Helianthus tuberosus

Also known as a 'Sunchoke' due to its resemblance and relation to the sunflower.

The Jerusalem Artichoke is a great addition to the productive garden. In late summer to early fall the bright sunflower like yellow flowers attracts pollinators and makes cheerfull cut flowers

The rhizomes can be used sliced in salads or boiled in soups or stews. It is a good replacement for potatoes in stews

Container size: 15cm pot

Recommended planting density: 4/sqm-5/sqm

Spacing: 40-50 cm apart

Height: Grows up to 2 m tall

Position: full sun, preferably at the back of the garden due to its height. Tend to grow vigorously and can take over, so don't plant close to other plants. They can also be grown in pots or containers to limit their growth

Soil: Loamy soil with added compost

Planting time: year round

Maintenance: Water well when warm. Fertilise every two months. Stake or tie together when tall to prevent falling over due to heavy rain or wind. 

Pests: Slugs, snails & aphids

Harvesting: Harvest 2-3 months after planting. Ideally harvest after first frost but  but can be harvested any time of the year once the clumps are large enough. Leave some rhizomes in the soil for the next season.  Leave the rhizomes in the soil and harvest only when needed in dry winter areas, lift and store them in sand in wet winter areas. it is best to use immediately after harvest.

Replant in newly prepared soil every 2 years

Flowering time: late summer to early fall