Jerusalem artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke is one of the common names by which this tuber is known, whose scientific name is Helianthus tuberosus, easy to grow and with properties that serve for medicinal use and in gastronomy.
The Jerusalem artichoke is native to North America and belongs to the Asteraceae family and then we will know a little more about its care, crops and characteristics.
Jerusalem artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke cultivation
It is said that the cultivation of these tubers, since it is a plant that is capable of growing in adverse climatic conditions and soils with few nutrients, however its performance is clearly very precarious.
A crop can be started starting from the roots whole or in pieces, which are provided at least two buds so that the buds can be given, this being the easiest and fastest way; You can also start the cultivation with seeds whose process can take about two years for the sprouts to start.
In both cases the soil quality, fertilization, etc., will be paramount.
Preferably and for optimal cultures, soils must be permeable and loose to prevent the water from stagnating, it must also be rich in nutrients or otherwise fertilizers must be supplied to the soil; If flowering does not coincide with the rainy season, the plant should be watered to help maximum productivity.
Jerusalem artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke does very well in temperate climates; However, even when its external part is covered with frost, the tubers can resist very well low temperatures of down to -15º Celsius.
Es important to control weed growthIn general, a herbicide must be applied before starting the crop and once the plants are born, the procedure is repeated.
As the plant demands high amounts of nutrients for optimum performance, a compost should be applied.
This plant requires large spaces for its cultivationSince it multiplies by spontaneous division of its tubers, if they do not have enough space, flowering will not be productive.
We have already said that one of the main contributions that must be made to the plant is the quality and abundant fertilizer; In case it does not need more care beyond being aware of cutting the stems at the beginning of autumn, in summer apply constant risks without excesses so as not to flood the soil because it harms the plant and keep weeds at bay, even if the plant is defends very well of this.
Characteristics of Jerusalem artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke
The plant reaches a height of up to two meters in its mature stage, the stems are rigid, the leaves are oval and toothed in shape, tubers are usually white, purple, or red, they measure between 7 and 10 centimeters long by 3 to 5 centimeters wide.
Plant generates a wonderful flower with a very vivid yellow color, in the form of bouquets, very similar indeed to the popular daisies; They occur in the fall, although there are regions of Europe where Jerusalem artichokes do not flourish.
As this plant grows wild, another of its characteristics is that its tubers they multiply naturally and thus the crop is expanding as much as the space around it allows it; for that reason it is located between the perennials.
In fact, the Jerusalem artichoke is recognized as an invader due to its ability to multiply rapidly and to take root in large areas of the ground in a short time; It is recommended in any case that the space of its cultivation is limited, dedicating for this a small and well defined in the garden.
The Jerusalem artichoke is also known for its diuretic properties, aphrodisiac, as a great tonic and is applied in treatments for diabetes and rheumatism.