Growing Jerusalem Artichoke

This has nothing to do with the Holy Land nor is it in any way related to the globe artichoke. Its nearest cultivated relative is, in fact, the sun flower, though its yellow, sun flower-like blossoms are only produced after a long, hot summer. It is native of North America and we first obtained them from the French who brought than back from Canada. It grows beneath the soil, like a potato and is equally nourishing, which is why it was so highly prized by the early settlers in Virginia. The reason for its neglect by modern gardeners is perhaps because the rough nobbly skins prove difficult to clean in the kitchen, but its unique flavor should ensure its greater popularity.

General cultivation It prefers a light sandy soil into which some decayed manure has been deeply worked. Just before planting give a dressing of 2 ounces per square yard of superphosphate and the same of sulphate of potash.

As the tubers begin to grow early, plant during the first week of March in the south ; the month’s end in the north. Small tubers are the best, of about walnut size. They should be planted in narrow trenches and about 6 inches deep. Allow 52 inches between the tubers in the row and make the rows twice that distance apart. If the ground becomes dry, water copiously and give a weekly application of dilute liquid manure from early May. This will help to increase the yield as will earthing up the rows after the manner of potatoes.

Harvesting The roots are lifted at the end of October, as soon as the tops have begun to die down and before the soil becomes saturated with winter rains. They may be stored in boxes of dry sand and used when required. However, since they have a better flavor when fresh and are perfectly hardy, they may be lifted from early September onwards until Christmas, when any remaining roots are lifted and stored. If alternate roots are lifted first, this will allow those remaining more room to develop and make larger tubers.

It should be pointed out that the plants will make considerable top growth. This must be supported by inserting two stout stakes at each end of the rows and running parallel lengths of wire between them, the top growths being supported between these wires. If the stems are broken by strong winds, smaller tubers will result. Before lifting commences, the stems should be cut away a few inches above ground.

The silver-skinned artichoke is the finest, being hardy and mild of flavor . The tubers should be partially boiled in their skins, then have the skins removed before baking; or they may be sliced and fried in batter.

They are troubled by no disease and only one pest.

Root Aphis also feeds on the roots of lettuce, severing them and causing the plants to wilt. Watering the ground before planting with liquid Linden will bring about its extermination.