How to Plant & Grow Jerusalem Artichokes
The Jerusalem artichoke is not a true artichoke, but is a member of the sunflower family. It is a root vegetable that looks much like a potato with very rough skin. Jerusalem artichokes are native to central and eastern parts of North America. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are rich in insulin and potassium. They also contain almost no cholesterol, starch or fat. Jerusalem artichoke tubers should be planted in early spring in a well-drained location that receives sun most of the day. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Prepare the planting site by loosening the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches using a rototiller or garden fork. Remove all large rocks and clumps of grass that are left behind.
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Add a 3- to 4-inch layer of compost to the loosened soil and mix well. Broadcast 6-12-6 fertilizer over the planting site at the rate recommended on the package.
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Create 36- to 42-inch wide rows using a garden hoe.
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Plant the Jerusalem artichoke tubers 3 to 5 inches deep. Leave a space of 15 to 24 inches between each tuber. Water well at the time of planting and any time that the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry.
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Cultivate with a garden hoe to control weeds as necessary. Do not disturb the soil more than 2 to 3 inches deep when removing the weeds, as this could damage the developing tubers.
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Tips & Warnings
Stake the plants if you notice that they are leaning or being damaged by strong winds.
Harvest Jerusalem artichokes in fall, any time after the season's first frost.
Jerusalem artichokes return from the roots year after year and are difficult to remove completely.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
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Comments
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tip: the picture above is NOT a jerusalem artichoke. the plant looks more like a sunflower plant. you eat the root. in the fall, cut down the stalks to only about 6 inches high. leave them there thru the winter. in early spring, dig up the roots to eat. they are best then.
