Jerusalem Artichokes

Growing Jerusalem Artichokes

Will grow in most soils and prefer full sun although will tolerate some shade. If strong winds are an issue you may need to stake them as they get taller (they can grow up to 3m tall!) although we have never done this.

The tubers can be harvested in autumn as the foliage dies down but they do soften quickly once out of the soil so it is preferable to leave them in the soil & harvest as required. Often used as a potato substitute, particularly for diabetics. They are tasty roasted & have a slightly nutty flavour. For a few ideas on how to utilise them in the kitchen, check out this link.

Uses

Generally considered part of the Mediterranean guild but will do fine in other climates. Good candidates for growing runner beans up the stems. They also cast a decent amount of shade so can be used to protect leafy greens from too much sun.

We tend to use them alongside Tithonia and Comfrey predominantly as biomass, shade for small seedlings, and as a pioneer plant although they can take a seaon or two to get established in this capacity.