Jerusalem Artichoke

Helianthus tuberosus

• Position: full sun
• Soil: any moderately, fertile soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Other features: great alternative to potatoes
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  A much under-rated vegetable which has edible tubers that have a potato-like texture and are delicious. Originally from North America, Jerusalem artichoke is a member of the daisy family and is closely related to the sunflower. Plant the tubers as soon as possible 30-40cm apart in soil that has had added organic matter. The plants make an excellent screen or windbreak and the tubers are ready to harvest from between October and early spring.
  

• Garden care: Dig added organic matter into the soil and plant the tubers 30-40cm apart. Earth-up the base of the stems when the plants are about 30cm high. Water well when the weather is dry. During the summer months remove any flower buds as they form and feed occassionally with liquid fertiliser.