Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke is a herb that belongs to the genus Sunflower. He is a prominent representative of the Astro family. This plant was first discovered in the territory of today's Brazil. Jerusalem artichoke came to Europe through countries such as England and France, back in the 16th century. Jerusalem artichoke began to be used as a food element in the middle of the 19th century. In its natural habitat, this plant is found in the northern part of the United States. As for the targeted cultivation of Jerusalem artichoke, it is grown in many countries. These include Australia, Switzerland, Japan. It should be noted that in many countries this crop is perceived as a weed. The fact is that Jerusalem artichoke easily adapts even to the most unfavorable conditions, tolerates low temperatures well, is not too whimsical to grow, and also has high productivity rates.

Jerusalem artichoke: growing a plant

                                                Jerusalem artichoke: photo of a plant

As a rule, Jerusalem artichoke is planted before the first frosts come, about fifteen to twenty days. The so-called Jerusalem artichoke planting "before winter" is carried out. At the same time, Jerusalem artichoke is planted directly in the open ground.

For the Jerusalem artichoke plant to feel good, it needs a fairly large amount of light.

The composition of the soil is not so important, rather it is worth paying attention to the level of acidity of the soil. Neutral or slightly alkaline earth is best, with a pH of six to eight. Jerusalem artichoke will not grow or develop on land that is high in salt. A soil with a too heavy structure is not suitable for this purpose.

It is not often necessary to water Jerusalem artichoke, this procedure is mandatory in case of prolonged drought in the summer. About one - one and a half buckets of water are consumed per plant.

In the spring, Jerusalem artichoke should be fed annually. For this, mineral-based dressings are used. Organic fertilizers are recommended to be applied in autumn, once every two to three years.

This culture propagates, as a rule, with the help of tubers on which they have eyes. Tubers can be whole or divided into parts. Less commonly, Jerusalem artichoke propagates using seeds.

From time to time, this plant can be affected by harmful insects: bears, slugs, wireworms.
As for diseases that can harm the plantings of Jerusalem artichoke, it is worth noting powdery mildew, white rot.

Description of Jerusalem artichoke

What Jerusalem artichoke looks like: photo

This plant has a fairly powerful and strong root system. The tubers are good for eating. They can be of different colors. There are yellow, white, red and even purple variations. In their appearance, such tubers can resemble ginger root. As for the taste, here Jerusalem artichoke can be compared with a turnip or cabbage stump. Jerusalem artichoke shoot is strong enough, grows straight. The stem is covered with a small fluff. The height of the plant can be different, from forty centimeters to three meters. The upper part of the plant actively forms branches.

The leaves have teeth at the edges, and the surface of the plates is covered with a light fluff. Jerusalem artichoke inflorescences grow by about ten centimeters. They include yellow flowers that have a tubular structure.Fruit ripening occurs at the end of summer - beginning of autumn.

In the industry, Jerusalem artichoke is cultivated in our country, in the USA, as well as in Asian countries. At the same time, this plant can be found in the garden of a summer resident more and more often. Not surprising, because this is an excellent help not only in terms of variety in food, but also in terms of many beneficial properties for the human body.

In terms of their chemical composition, the tubers of this culture are quite similar to potato tubers. The nutritional value is higher than that of beets.

Jerusalem artichoke is eaten raw, tubers can also be boiled, stewed and fried. Few people know that healthy teas and compotes can be prepared from this product.

How to plant Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke: photo of a plant

Jerusalem artichoke vegetable is very successfully grown both in containers and in an open area. Jerusalem artichoke tubers are planted in open ground fifteen to twenty days before the onset of cold weather. It is recommended to carry out this procedure in the spring, after the soil has completely warmed up. For this purpose, whole tubers are recommended, which in the spring, if necessary, are divided into parts.

It is best to give preference to a well-lit place when planting Jerusalem artichoke. Some varieties of such a plant have rather outstanding dimensions, they can reach up to three meters in height. For this reason, it is important to choose the right neighborhood so that Jerusalem artichoke does not create unnecessary shade for other plants in the garden. It is best to place such Jerusalem artichoke plantings along the fences.

Jerusalem artichoke feels best in not too acidic soil; neutral or slightly alkaline soil is best suited. The pH should range from six to eight units. In this case, the chemical composition of the soil is not too important, Jerusalem artichoke is grown in almost any area. The only exceptions are too salty soils, as well as soil with a heavy structure.

A site is being prepared for planting Jerusalem artichoke in advance, about two to three weeks before planting Jerusalem artichoke. If you plan to plant Jerusalem artichoke in the spring, then you need to prepare the ground in the fall. To do this, you need to dig up the area for planting. The depth of the digging should be approximately the bayonet of the shovel. It is recommended to add some compost to the soil during this process. If you plan to plant this crop in the spring, then when you dig up the site, do not break up clods of earth. This is done in the last days of winter. In the process of planting Jerusalem artichoke, it will not be superfluous to add additional fertilizing, which will contain potassium and phosphorus. After that, the tubers are planted. Cucumbers, cabbage, and potatoes can be good precursors for Jerusalem artichoke.

In the second half of the spring, tubers are selected. They should be about the size of a hen's egg. After selection, the tubers are soaked in a growth accelerator, for example, in Epin. To do this, mix one milligram of the drug in one liter of water. Then planting is carried out, the distance between the tubers should be about forty centimeters. The trench should be dug to a depth of about fourteen centimeters. Row spacings, as a rule, range from sixty to seventy centimeters. The soil that has been dredged from their grooves is mixed with fertilizer. Bone meal works well for this. After that, this mixture is placed back into the trench.

How to properly care for Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke vegetable: photo

This culture is not very demanding and capricious in terms of care. After the tubers have been planted in the soil, you need to regularly remove weeds from the site and loosen the soil. When the plants grow by about thirty centimeters, there will be a need for hilling the plants. Garden compost works well for these purposes.It is necessary to huddle plants when there is a need, during the entire growing season. When the bush grows one meter, you need to install pegs on both sides, and tie a rope or wire between them. Jerusalem artichoke is tied to such a support, so it will be protected from gusty winds.

When the buds begin to form, they need to be removed. This will save your Jerusalem artichoke energy for root formation. For the same purpose, it is necessary to shorten the bushes to one hundred and fifty - two hundred centimeters in height.

As for watering, this procedure is carried out only during a prolonged drought. For one bush, the consumption is one - one and a half buckets. If precipitation periodically falls in the summer, then watering is not necessary.

From time to time, you need to make the introduction of additional nutrients into the soil. In the spring, while loosening the soil, you need to add potash and nitrogen-containing fertilizing. It is convenient for this purpose to purchase fertilizers in the form of granules. When buds begin to form, it is better to use liquid fertilizers. On the fifteenth of July, you can feed Jerusalem artichoke with natural fertilizers. An infusion made from green manure plants will work well. Top dressing based on mineral elements is carried out annually. But organic fertilizers are applied once every two to three years.

Experienced growers of Jerusalem artichoke are propagated, as a rule, by the method of vegetation. To do this, use tubers that have eyes. You can divide the tubers into parts. Jerusalem artichoke can be propagated by the seed method, but this is a rather laborious and long process, therefore this method is not very popular.

To grow this plant at home, you need to plant Jerusalem artichoke in a large container. Boxes will do as well. In any case, there must be a good drainage layer in the container. Recommendations for growing Jerusalem artichoke at home are the same as for growing in an open area. The only exception is the irrigation regime. You need to water this culture at home on your own due to the lack of rain.

About pests and diseases of Jerusalem artichoke

This culture has a very good resistance to various diseases. However, with improper care and conditions, Jerusalem artichoke can be affected by powdery mildew, white rot, and also alternaria. Let's consider each problem in more detail.

White rot.

This disease is also sometimes called sclerotinosis. The main symptom of this problem is the appearance of plaque on the stems of the plant, which is very similar to mold. The inside begins to become covered with black growths. This culture, as a rule, is attacked through the root system in the soil. Sclerotinosis occurs when the ambient humidity level is too high. Such a problem may appear if the temperature changes are too sharp. Treatment is practically useless. Those plants that have been affected must be removed from the site and burned away from the garden.

Alternaria

This disease occurs quite often in Jerusalem artichoke plantings. Because of it, the part of the plant that is above ground level suffers. It can be identified by its characteristic dark or light brownish patches on the foliage. Such spots have a pale yellowish frame. After a while, the spots become larger, and then the foliage begins to dry out. The same goes for the petioles. To combat this ailment, it is recommended to use drugs - fungicides. Plants are processed when the street is at least +18 degrees. As a rule, if Alternaria even at the initial stage of development, one spraying is enough. But it is better to carry out the treatment again, after ten to thirteen days.

Powdery mildew.

Jerusalem artichoke is affected by this disease during the second half of the growing season.A whitish bloom-like coating appears on the surface of the leaves, which has a loose texture. As the disease progresses, the color of the plaque changes. It takes on a brownish or prodigal pinkish color. At the same time, the leaf plates become brittle. This disease can occur due to too hot weather with not smooth temperature fluctuations. Apart from this reason powdery mildew may occur due to excess nitrogen, as well as due to improper ambient humidity conditions. This problem can be dealt with with fungicides. Experienced vegetable growers most often use Topaz, Topsin, Bayleton, Quadris and other similar preparations.

Pests

As for harmful insects that can harm Jerusalem artichoke, most often such a culture is affected by slugs, bears and other larvae. To prevent slugs from pestering your Jerusalem artichoke plantings, it is recommended to put a granular agent on top of the soil, which is aimed at fighting slugs.

If you saw a scoop, May beetles, a bear on the future garden bed, then before planting the plants in the ground, you need to dig it up and add special means. For this purpose, you can use Diazonon or Foxim.

How to store Jerusalem artichoke

The tubers of this culture reach their maturity in about one hundred and twenty days. Before this time, it makes no sense to remove them from the ground. They simply will not be able to reach the required quality level of maturity.

It is best to get tubers out of the soil in spring. It is worth noting that the soil should warm up well. This procedure can be carried out in the fall, when the earth, on the contrary, begins to "seize" by frost.

Tubers, which are located in an open area, can withstand frosts down to -38 degrees without problems. It is still recommended to cover your beds with snow or dry soil for the winter period. You can dig up tubers in parts. For example, in the fall, extract a crop that will be used in winter, and those Jerusalem artichoke tubers that remain can be selected in the spring, when the body does not have enough vitamins.

Harvesting should take place before warm weather. Otherwise, shoots will begin to grow, and the tubers, in turn, will lose their taste and useful properties. In addition, from a useful root vegetable, the plant will simply turn into a weed.

Jerusalem artichoke tubers are stored in the same way as other similar vegetables. They need to be placed in boxes and sprinkled with a layer of sand. Before starting storage in the basement or cellar, the root crops are washed and dried. A balcony with insulation or a loggia is good for storage. If there are not too many tubers, then you can put them in storage in the refrigerator, in the vegetable compartment.

Jerusalem artichoke varieties and types

Jerusalem artichoke: photo

The root system, together with the tubers of Jerusalem artichoke, grows quite strongly in width, as well as in depth. This is not very convenient in terms of growing on the site. Breeders are currently working on varieties that will have a compact underground part. And I must say that some varieties have already been obtained. In addition, varieties with thickened stems are bred, as well as Jerusalem artichoke, which is intended for cultivation in a particular area.

Those varieties of Jerusalem artichoke that are available today can be divided into tuber Jerusalem artichoke and fodder. As a rule, forage varieties do not have a large number of tubers, but the aboveground part grows very lush. These varieties are commonly grown commercially. Also, all Jerusalem artichoke, or rather its varieties, are divided by time when ripening occurs. Varieties are early maturing and late maturing. Below we list the varieties that are most popular.

• Interest... This variety is late in maturity and has a high level of productivity. It grows fast enough and has high moisture requirements.It tolerates hot weather well, and also has a high frost resistance. Stems are directed straight, rather powerful. Such a bush branches at the middle level. The foliage is large enough, the surface is rough, painted in a dark green tone. The tubers are white and have a smooth texture. The eyes are deep. This variety shows good results on an industrial scale in zones where warm weather prevails.
• Leningradsky. This is a late-ripening Jerusalem artichoke, quite productive. Grows in the form of a bush. Jerusalem artichoke shoots of this variety are strong, painted in a dark green color. The foliage is shaped like an oval. The tubers are elongated and white. The tubers are medium in size. They keep their qualities quite well until the beginning of winter. Zoned for the northwest region.
• Volzhsky two... Such Jerusalem artichoke grows actively, tolerates dry weather well, and is also immune to low temperatures. Jerusalem artichoke rhizomes are located under the ground compactly. The foliage is green, covered with a small fluff. The Jerusalem artichoke tubers of this variety are white-colored, shaped like a pear fruit. There are pale purple inclusions.
• Early ripening. This variety is early maturing in terms of timing, not too demanding in terms of care. Does not show special requirements for the amount of light, tolerates low temperatures well. Jerusalem artichoke rhizomes are located under the ground compactly. The stems branch rather actively and strongly. Jerusalem artichoke leaves of this sort are shaped like a heart, there are jagged edges along the edges. The tubers are white and have a smooth surface. Root crops are round in shape.
• Pasko. This is a late-ripening Jerusalem artichoke. The cultivar is tuberous. Shows decent results in terms of harvest. The bushes grow quite actively, the foliage is large. The tubers are white and round. One copy in its weight can reach about eighty grams.
• Solar. This variety ripens quite late. Shows good results in terms of productivity. It is successfully grown in almost all regions of our country. The stems branch rather actively. The foliage is large. Tubers of white color, elongated, resemble an ellipse in shape. One tuber weighs approximately sixty grams.
• Find. This is a late-ripening Jerusalem artichoke. Brings quite a lot of tubers. The stems do not branch much. Jerusalem artichoke leaves are large. The root system is not large. The tubers are shaped like pear fruits, painted in a white tone. In the area where the eyes are located, you can notice streaks of a pinkish tint. The find is grown in areas with warm climatic conditions.

In addition to the above varieties, varieties are in demand among vegetable growers: Red, Patat, White, Vadim, North Caucasian.

Why Jerusalem artichoke is useful: useful properties and contraindications

Jerusalem artichoke: photo

By including Jerusalem artichoke tubers in your diet, you provide your body with vitamins and various nutrients. Beets, carrots and turnips are rightfully considered the champions among root crops in terms of iron content. However, Jerusalem artichoke contains even more iron. The tubers also contain carotene. Jerusalem artichoke is rich in a huge amount of various micro and macro elements that are so important for humans.

Jerusalem artichoke syrups help to cope with diseases of the urinary-reproductive system, anemia, and overweight. Jerusalem artichoke is able to normalize the amount of sugar in the blood, as well as the work of the gastrointestinal tract. If you live in a metropolis, then Jerusalem artichoke will be very useful for you. This plant helps to eliminate toxins, unnecessary cholesterol.

Jerusalem artichoke helps to cope with viral infections. Jerusalem artichoke is indicated for people with diabetes mellitus, as well as for patients with low hemoglobin. In addition, this plant is able to lower the level of pressure.

Jerusalem artichoke contains a lot of carbohydrates.It is best to use Jerusalem artichoke tubers immediately after the harvest has been harvested. If the roots are stored for too long, then the insulin is partially converted to fructose. However, such a root crop in no way becomes harmful. Especially Jerusalem artichoke is an assistant in diabetes mellitus

Jerusalem artichoke normalizes the acid balance in the body, eliminates gag reflexes. This root vegetable is useful for pregnant women due to its rich composition. If you use Jerusalem artichoke on a regular basis, then the immune system becomes stronger, and excess toxins leave the body.

Jerusalem artichoke juice is often used to normalize the acid-base balance, as well as blood pressure. Jerusalem artichoke juice helps the body to cope with cuts, ulcers. It is recommended to drink the juice three times a day twenty minutes before meals. At one time, you need to use about fifteen milligrams.

In addition to the above medicinal properties, this plant is actively used for cosmetic purposes. Jerusalem artichoke has anti-aging properties, helps to even out the tone of the face, and also cleanses the skin well.

To eliminate wrinkles, it is recommended to wipe the skin of the neck and face with a cotton pad moistened with Jerusalem artichoke juice. If you suffer from increased oily skin, then you can prepare a mask based on Jerusalem artichoke. To do this, you need to prepare a mixture of chopped tuber and half a teaspoon of honey. If, on the contrary, you have dry skin, then add half a teaspoon of olive oil to this mixture.

You need to hold such a mask for fifteen to twenty minutes. After that, it is recommended to wash with warm green tea. After ten minutes, wipe your face with a piece of ice. This procedure must be done regularly, about twenty times.

Jerusalem artichoke: harm and contraindications

Jerusalem artichoke has no contraindications as such. But if you have an intolerance to some of the elements that are in the composition, then you should not use it. If you use Jerusalem artichoke raw, then out of habit, the intestines can react with flatulence. If, after several uses of raw Jerusalem artichoke, the body does not get used to it, then eat the tubers boiled or stewed better. Remember that moderation is needed in everything. Do not consume too much of this root vegetable at one meal.

Jerusalem artichoke: video (benefits and harms of the plant)