Jerusalem artichoke, whose Latin name is Helianthus tuberosus, is a root vegetable found in many gardens that actually belongs to the sunflower genus. When growing, the location must be right. If the plant feels comfortable there, it hardly needs care and will happily proliferate in the underground. We will show you how to plant Jerusalem artichokes correctly.

In a nutshell

  • when planting, it is primarily a question of the right location
  • as a sunflower, it naturally prefers a location that is as sunny as possible with lots of warmth
  • if the optimal site conditions are largely met, the plant requires little attention and can be largely left to its own devices
  • the best time to plant the root vegetables is early spring from around the beginning of April or October

Sunflower with an underground extra

Whoever sees Helianthus tuberosus for the first time may mistake it for a common sunflower. The resemblance is no accident. Helianthus tuberosus is definitely a sunflower. The plant is a typical daisy family and, together with around 50 other species, forms the sunflower genus. What sets her apart from most of her kind, however, is the underground extra she has to offer. Their roots end in so-called sprout tubers, which are perfectly cooked for consumption. For a long time, these tubers were even considered a delicacy, which was particularly appreciated in the plant's country of origin, namely Central and South America. These tubers are also the reason for the alternative names that are known for Jerusalem artichoke in this country. This includes names like:

  • Potato
  • earth pear
  • Indian potato
  • Rossler
  • sweet potato
Topinmabur tubers

Plant Jerusalem artichoke as a tuber. These are placed in the ground at a distance of about 50 centimeters. The planting depth should be five to 15 centimeters. The best time to plant the tubers is early spring, around the beginning of April. It is also possible to plant in the fall. October is ideal here in order to be able to cultivate the tubers optimally.

Hardly any maintenance required

Helianthus tuberosus is a very uncomplicated, easy-care vegetable, which means that it hardly requires any work in the garden. As a perennial plant, it is even very easy to cultivate. If you want to grow Jerusalem artichoke less for visual reasons, but want to be able to harvest the largest tubers possible, you should use a substrate that consists of fertile, humus-rich soil and ensures good water drainage. Basically, the soil must not dry out. On the other hand, waterlogging should also be avoided.

Tip: If the focus is on the flowers of the Jerusalem artichoke and not on the yield of the tubers, you must plant them in sandy soil.

Water & fertilize

In order for Helianthus tuberosus to get all the nutrients the plant needs for good growth, it should be fertilized about once a month. Either horn shavings or a commercial vegetable fertilizer are suitable for fertilization. The horn shavings are simply spread around the trunk in the root area. The vegetable fertilizer is best administered in liquid form and poured into the irrigation water. Speaking of watering: Jerusalem artichoke requires a relatively large amount of water, but on the other hand it does not tolerate waterlogging. It is therefore essential to ensure good water drainage.

Jerusalem artichoke belongs to the sunflower genus.

Plant Jerusalem artichoke: root barrier

Helianthus tuberosus loves to rampant underground and to spread relatively unrestrained underground. The root network does not stop at the neighboring property, which can quickly lead to significant problems. A root barrier should therefore be planned for when planting the Jerusalem artichoke. This then largely dams its foothills and eyries.

Tip: The root barrier is best applied directly to the roots in order to be able to curb their spread from the outset.

frequently asked Questions

How is the plant propagated?

It is best to leave a few smaller tubers in the ground after harvest. New plants can then form from these. Under no circumstances should the tubers intended for propagation be stored anywhere, as there is always a risk that they will dry out and then be no longer usable.

Does a lack of water harm the plant?

Jerusalem artichokes don't like waterlogging, but they can't cope with a lack of water either. The lack of water supply usually means that the tubers grow less well, remain very small and thus lead to a lower yield. The plant should therefore be watered regularly, especially in summer, to protect it from stress.

Can Jerusalem artichoke tolerate direct midday sun?

Helianthus tuberosus comes from a very warm, not to say hot, part of the world. It therefore also gets along well with our central European midday sun. Direct sunlight is not a problem for the plant. The prerequisite, however, is that they always have enough water available.

Category:

Garden plants