How To Plant & Grow Jerusalem Artichokes & Chinese Artichokes
Jerusalem Artichokes
A relation of the sunflower, the Jerusalem Artichoke is hardy and easy to grow. As plants can reach 10 feet (3 m) in height, they can be used as a sceen or windbreak if provided with support. Tubers can be cooked, and are sometimes eaten raw in salads. We supply a variety called Fuseau which is smooth-skinned and easier to peel than some varieties.
Planting
Plant out tubers of Jerusalem Artichokes from mid October to April in well-prepared soil. Plant the tubers horizontally 4-6" (10-15 cm) deep, 12" (30 cm) apart, in rows 12" (30 cm) apart. Jerusalem Artichokes are happy in almost any soil, including heavy clay, and will grow in either full sun or shady positions. Avoid planting them in soil prone to waterlogging
Cultivation
Earth up the stems of Jerusalem Artichokes when they reach a height of 30 cm by drawing up soil around them to a height of 15 cm. In midsummer remove the flower heads and cut the plants back to 5-6 ft (1.5-2 m) to concentrate the plants' energy on developing tubers. Keep plants moist in dry weather.
When leaves begin to turn yellow, cut the stems down 3" (8 cm) above the soil, laying the trimmings over the the plant, to keep the soil warm so that tubers are easier to lift in frosty weather.
Pests and diseases
Slugs and snails will attack both stems and tubers. Root aphids can also be a nuisance. We recommend spraying regularly with our BioFriend Plant Defence. Stems may be attacked by sclerotinia, a fungal rot. Treat this by removing and burning all affected plants immediately, and clear away all debris at the end of the season.
Harvesting
Harvest from late October onwards. Harvest the tubers as required, lifting with a fork. Leave one or two tubers in the ground if you want them to grow back in the same area next year. If not, ensure you remove all tubers otherwise they will grow back. Jerusalem Artichokes taste sweeter after they have experienced a frost as starches are converted to sugars.
Container Growing
Jerusalem Artichokes can be grown in containers, in a mixture of garden soil and qood-quality compost, one tuber per pot. The plants will require support, and it is advisable to weight the pots to avoid them toppling.
Chinese Artichokes/Crosnes
Chinese Artichokes, also known as Crosnes, are not related to Jerusalem Artichokes but can be grown in a similar way. The tubers are distinguished by having small ridges, which can be difficult to clean, but it is well worth the effort for the end result.
Chinese Artichokes reach a height of 18" (45 cm), and have a tendency to sprawl. They like an open sunny, site, with rich light soil and a steady supply of moisture. (The heavier the soil, the more difficult they are to clean. On very heavy soil it may be worth growing Chinese Artichokes in containers.) An average plant will produce 20-30 tubers.
Planting
Plant out tubers between October and April. Place the tubers, points up, at a depth of 1½-3" (4-8 cm). Space the tubers 6-12" (15-30 cm) apart, in rows 18" (45 cm) apart. Alternatively, leave the tubers to sprout in trays/pots of damp compost. Plant out when leaves are 3-4" (8-10 cm) tall.
Cultivation
Earth up when stems reach a height of 12" (30 cm), to a depth of 3 (8 cm). Cut back foliage if it becomes untidy. Remove flowers to concentrate the plants' energy into producing tubers.
Pests and Diseases
Slugs and snails will attack both stems and tubers. Root aphids can also be a nuisance. We recommend spraying regularly with our BioFriend Plant Defence.
Harvesting
Harvest from October onwards, when the foliage begins to die down, and over the winter months. Leave the tubers in the soil until needed. Protect the soil as it will be easier to lift tubers in frosty weather.
Container Growing
Chinese Artichokes can be grown in pots. This is particularly recommended in areas with very heavy soil. Plant in a mixture of garden soil and qood-quality compost, one tuber per pot.
2 Results
Chinese Artichoke Tuber (Crosnes)
A rarely seen vegetable that deserves more recognition. The small tubers have a delicious,nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for salads and stir-fries.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late October / early November
Supplied as freshly dug and washed tubers.
Jerusalem Artichoke Tuber 'Fuseau'
Non-knobbly and smooth-skinned. A winter veg essential that is seeing a resurgence in popularity. Very easy to grow and self-regenerating.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late October / early November
Supplied as freshly dug and washed tubers.
